Azdoc - PL - Air Modeller Issue 56 2014 10 11

Issue 56 cover_Layout 1 11/09/2014 12:04 Page 1
56
OCTOBER / NOV 2014 • £6.50 UK $15.99
www.mengafvmodeller.com
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014
MENG AIR MODELLER
ki-44
“Shoki”
DANIEL ZAMARBIDE SUÁREZ
BUILDS THE HASEGAWA KIT
AIR 56 Oct Nov 2014_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 11/09/2014 11:14 Page 222
CONTENTS
2 Nakajima Ki 44 ‘Shoki’
Daniel Zamarbide Suárez builds the 1:32 Hasegawa kit.
12 Short S8 Calcutta Part Two

Megas Tsonos continues his impressive scratchbuilt flying boat.
22 An Inglorious End Part Two

More scratchbuilding as Richard Carrick concludes his crashed B-17 in 1:32.
30 Finnish Fokker
Zdenek Sebesta turns his considerable skills to the
Special Hobby 1:48 Fokker XXI.
38 Big Bird B-17, Part 7

The Editor continues his build of HK Models spectacular 1:32 Flying Fortress.
44 Air Born
New releases.
54 MiG Su-27
Aurelio Reale super details the 1:48 Academy kit
60 French Navy Lynx HAS Mk2

Renaud Pouge converts the recent Airfix 1:48 kit
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1
2
“Shoki”
Not everything in the history of Japanese aviation
is about the iconic Mitsubishi A6M Zero. There
were more fighters involved in the defence of the
Japanese Empire. One of those was the
Nakajima Ki-44, a little like the hunting version of
the German Fw -190, in this case armed with two
huge 40mm cannons that were used to attack
and break up the impressive B-29 Super Fortress
formations. My chosen kit for this project is the
impressive 1:32 release from Hasegawa.
MODELLED BY DANIEL ZAMARBIDE SUÁREZ
3
With this type of radial engined aircraft I

always like to start assembly by building the
power-plant. Hasegawa’s detail is a good
starting point to add some refinements,
here I added ignition cables with lead wire
and fittings with foil and die-punched plastic
card working from photographic reference.
Even with the cowl in place, this extra detail
is easily viewed on the finished model so
well worth the time and effort.
The assembled engine first received a coat

of Tamiya silver enamel mixed with a little
black followed by a gloss clear. When this
was dry a dark wash was applied to bring
out the detail followed by elements picked
out in black acrylic. More detail painting in
acrylic brings out the ignition leads, Vallejo
‘English Uniform’ giving the correct khaki
finish. After the final touches of weathering
and oil staining an overall coat of matt clear
I was ready to start on the spinner and
blades.
A white base coat helps obtain a

good strong red to the tones on
the spinner. A fine pencil and
drawing pen give sharp lines.
Several layers of browns
leave a worn look to the
blades, note how the yellow
is laid down as a base
and masked giving a
strong colour.
4
I decided the excellent kit cockpit detail was

fine as I was using the figure. Figures always
give life to a model and also help to visually
scale the aircraft once finished. The downside
of all this is that once the cabin and fuselage
are closed with a seated figure, you see nothing
of the details of the cockpit due to the design of
the aircraft itself!
The only additions made are the harnesses.

Carefull painting with strong shadows and
highlights give an effective result with the tiny
red and yellow details adding interest along with
the instrument facia and controls.
I decided the
excellent kit
cockpit detail
was fine
5
Adding a subtle
stressed effect to
the airframe
certainly helps give
a realistic finish to
a bare metal
aircraft in this
scale
The assembly of the kit is excellent, all the

pieces fit perfectly using almost no filler.
This really is rewarding for the modeller,
because, at least for me, I quickly move to
my favourite phase; the painting.
Before laying on the base colours I decided
to spend some time to give a more realistic
‘stressed’ finish to the airframe. The three
steps I use (as you can see above) are the
sanding of the kit’s rivets, a new curved
blade to create the slight ‘ripples’ in the
panels, and finally re-riveting following a
clear plan drawing and using a riveting
wheel tool.
To begin the painting I applied a layer of

metallic aluminum, enamel that will endure
the tedious masking process that will come
later. To create different shades of bare
metal, the metallic colour was mixed in
different proportions of "gun metal" colour
thus giving more richness to the final look .
Also on top of the paint finish I used various
metallic pigments from the Uschi van der
Rosten brand that are perfect for retouching
and shading the metal.
6
After the whole metal finish process, I

began the arduous task of masking the
various graphics starting with the yellow
bands on the leading edge of the wings.
Then the fabric-covered control surfaces
were picked out in greenish grey followed
by the white fuselage band and ending
with red fuselage markings. When the
matt black anti-reflective areas were
complete everything was left to fully dry
before weathering.
masking and
airbrushing the
coloured markings
was an arduous
task but ultimately
worth the effort
After a coat of gloss varnish and I applied a To make scratches in the red I used an
series of washes in brown tones to enhance all orange red and then chipping by carefully
the panel lines, rivets and detail work. The revealing the metallic base paint by gentle
gloss varnish helps the wash to flow and allows scratching.
the excess to be easily removed. This is finally
sealed with a coat of satin varnish.
7
Japanese aircraft often showed evedence of heavy weathering

such as this. Studying period photographs and observing the
types of damage and staining is the best route to a realistic finish.
Note the subtle tones of the exhaust pipe and the way the soot
stains have been removed in areas by the ground crew. The
progress of the weathering also helps to tone down the brighter
colours for a better in-scale appearence.
Japanese
aircraft often
showed
evedence of
heavy
weathering
Landing gears were detailed with

bolt heads made with a punch
and die set and pipes from lead
wire and base-coated in bright
aluminium. The tyres were
airbrushed in grey and brown
tones over a black base coat.
8
More masking but this time unexpected! I the task a little easier.
damaged one of the decals on the landing A silver artists pencil is another quick way
gear covers beyond repair so my only to show chipped and worn paint.
option was to draw the numerals and The final touch was some airbrushed dirt
create a mask to airbrush the red ‘35’ thrown up by the wheels.
luckily the text has squared edges making
A fine black line helps the

definition of the canopy frame,
a wash, again, highlights
the rivet detail.
Items such as fuel tanks in the Mitsubishi green give great interest
to the model but we must not forget the materials used to build
these aircraft; tanks were wooden and metallic chipping would be
completely wrong! 9
ki-44
“Shoki”
10
the finished
model is one
of the most
rewarding
I’ve done
After the whole process of assembly and painting, the

finished model is one of the most rewarding I've done
in my many years of modelling. A very good kit,
simple and of excellent quality. I’m certainly planning
to build another in future with different markings. I
hope you liked it .
11
SHORT
S.8 CALCUTTA
MODELLED AND DESCRIBED BY MEGAS TSONOS
G-EBVH, ‘CITY OF ATHENS’.

On May 3, 1928, the second S.8 Calcutta (c/n s.713) made its maiden flight, and
G-EBVH, went to Felixstowe on May 22 for evaluation. ‘VH’ started operations on a
passenger and mail scheduled service between Liverpool and Belfast, until October
4. Then she joined the first Calcutta (G-EBVG), already operating on the
Southampton - Guernsey service. This lasted until February 28, 1929, when both
planes were sent to the Mediterranean, for the England - India service.
Its new operational environment called for some reconfiguring,
and G-EBVH was eventually fitted with twin oil
coolers under each nacelle, removal of
some engine covers to improve
engine cylinder cooling, four bladed
single piece propellers and fresh air
induction piping for the passenger cabin, to name just a few.
On March 31, 1929, the first service between Genoa and Alexandria was flown by
G–EBVH, by then named ‘City of Athens’. The route departing from Genoa called at
Ostia (Rome), Naples, Phaleron Bay (Athens), Suda Bay (Crete) and Tobruk. This
service, with some alterations due to the political situation in Italy as well as
company operational demands, was worked by the Calcuttas until their withdrawal
to England in 1936. At some point the airplane was renamed ‘City Of Stoneheaven’.
In June 1937, G-EBVH passed to Air Pilots Training Ltd. at Hamble, where she was
used for pilot training to the new Short C-class Empire flying boats. She was
scrapped after being dismantled for spares before the end of 1937.
12
13
CONTINUING THE FUSELAGE part epoxy glue to protect against water bare aluminium hull construction on which
All went well with the fibreglass fuselage, ingress during any possible washing of the the wooden floor (plasticard) and side
and wearing a high-quality mask, I hull. protecting strips are added (photo 9). The
proceeded to sand the fiberglass to the I drilled out the windows at this point, as latter were made of Evergreen strips cut to
desired shape, then two layers of fast- well as all other openings, sprayed with Mr. the desired lengths. Baggage securing
curing, (green) two-part fine grade White Surfacer 1000 and went on with the nets made of thin cotton thread and
polyester fiberglass filler were applied scribing of the exterior details of the hull painted accordingly were glued at the
overall, (photo 1&2) and sanded down to a (photo 5&6). A note must be made here, extreme rear of the compartment as well
very smooth finish, in preparation for the as the vertical panel lines, so characteristic as the front of it (photo 10), near the
final application of Mr. Surfacer 500. of the Calcutta’s hull are vertical only when baggage door. The bulkhead and door
The time has now come for the balsa to be the hull is positioned to an upward position separating the baggage hold from the
removed, leaving only the fuselage shell. I at 3-degrees to base line so the panel passenger cabin was modelled from thin
made an opening at the top, remembering scribing became a headache! plasticard and painted in Alclad lacquer on
that a portion of the fuselage’s top deck its cargo side. Gloss white was applied to
adjacent to the wing has already been DETAILING THE INTERIOR the side facing the cabin as well as the
made and incorporated into the wing It is fortunate that the plans in existence door. Moderate weathering on the cargo
assembly. The area to be removed was today give a fairly accurate idea of the side (photo 11) completed the bulkhead.
therefore surplus and was discarded. interior arrangement of the Short S.8 Moving forward, the main cabin floor
Through this opening, all the balsa former Calcutta. When combined with archive (plasticard) was laid to cover the entire
was dug out (photo 3) with a power tool photos of the passenger cabin, the main area up to the cockpit. I also installed the
equipped with a masonry drill, except the area to be detailed, very little is left to be sidewalls below the windows (plasticard)
extreme tail which could not be reached determined by guesswork. The detailing of which was actually the cabin cosmetic
but also did not need to be detailed. the hull followed the normal modelling lining.
All interior was cleaned of the balsa procedure for scratchbuilding. I started The galley and lavatory areas followed,
deposits (photo 4) and the balsa remains with the baggage compartment, and used these being separated by the cabin by a
in the end of the tail were sealed with two- pewter sheet (photo 7&8) to simulate the door-less bulkhead at the galley entrance.
1
2
4
5
14
As the details would probably be seen from

the rear windows, I proceeded in making
the galley furniture and oil stove cooker
(photo 12 & 13), toilet bowl and potable
water tank (photo 15). As the hull is
affected by the 3-degree slope rule, all
detailing was made angled backwards in
relation to the floor, bulkheads and galley
furniture being no exception.
The floors were painted to simulate wood,
the sidewalls and ceiling were painted in
the customary blue and buff colours with
glossy white details, and the cabin front
and rear bulkheads were painted in glossy
7
white as well.
I modelled and cast in resin (photo 17 &
18) the passenger seats, painted them in
9
royal blue as the real seats were leather-
covered (photo 19) and painted in that
colour. I chose to ‘unfold’ two tray tables 8
and put a ‘bottle’ of malt whiskey and
‘glasses’ (photo 20), to be seen through
the opened windows. 10
Work on the passengers’ compartment
went on with the addition of the carpets
made of decal (Archer Fine Transfers
surface details #21: “non skid texture”) and
painted in a deep red colour. The overhead
baggage nets (photo etched fine mesh),
and the ceiling lights and fresh air louvers
(photo 21& 22) completed the cabin
detailing. Before moving on to the cockpit,
a note must be made, about the twelve
cabin windows. 15
11 14
12 13
16
15
17
18 19
These were stepped-up and positioned reflecting again the 3-

degree rule, divided into groups of three, with the rear window
of each trio, being hinged so as to open. As the windows must
be exactly the same in size and appearance, I made them in
two steps. I drilled them out at first according to the plans, and
made them slightly oversized. I installed custom-made photo-
etched brass rims (photo 23) that ensured the windows would
be identical. The second step was done after painting, when
another set of rims, this time a photo-etched nickel/silver one
(photo 24), containing exterior framing details, was cemented in
place over the previously attached brass rims. I made the
transparencies from 0.8mm thick plexiglass that was laser-cut
as per the drawings, and installed them from the outside using
‘Future’ clear varnish as a bonding medium. Thus, a uniform
appearance of the cabin windows, so important for a model of
a civil aircraft was achieved.
The cockpit was modelled from the outside the hull, after the
hull and wings were joined as it is of the open type, and all
detailing could be easily done at any stage of the models’
construction. It will briefly be described here as a part of the
overall hull interior detailing. The cockpit is equipped with a
virtually empty instrument panel, as all engine instruments are
installed in boxes on the engine support struts. The boxes
themselves were made of plasticard and Milliput (photo 25 &
20 26). Their instruments are photo-etched bezels glued on a
parallelogram piece of clear acetate, with the instrument
16
21 22
23 24
indications (decals) attached on its rear
face. The instrument panel is made of thin
(Evergreen .005”) plasticard, drilled at the
points were the instruments should be
fitted. The sandwich method was used to
complete the instrument panel, clear
acetate being used here as well (photo 29).
It is painted white to match the rest of the
cockpit and bow compartment. The cockpit
was fitted with its normal equipment (seats,
control wheels, rudder pedals while at the
bow compartment, some more detailing
was added, namely a towing rope, an
anchor and a bag of ancillary equipment.
Following the painting of the hull, the work
on the cockpit continued with the making of
the cockpit sill, the windscreen (custom
made photo-etched framing), the bow
hatch and all surrounding details. The radio
and navigation compartment should be
mentioned here, but as it is very narrow
and cramped, it was not detailed. Only its
entrance door was made partially open to
reveal just a glimpse of what was to be
25 seen inside…
JOINING THE ASSEMBLIES
Lots of measuring and dry-fitting made the

joining of the wings to the hull a rather
straightforward job. On every single
principal joint (the struts-to-wings, the
nacelles-to-struts, etc.), eight pins cut from
a length of brass was used (four per side)
to secure the top decking to the rest of the
hull (photo 30). By carefully aligning the
already drilled out pin holes, the job of
26 bringing the two assemblies together was a

delicate one. When positioned, drops of
17
27
28
29
thin, penetrating cyanoacrylate glue was left Calcutta also possessed a single piece
to run through the seams and into the horizontal stabilizer of variable incidence.
pinholes, gluing the pins and the plastics The elevators of the first two Calcuttas
together. As the lower wing underside was were of the horn balanced type, while all Then, I proceeded with the fitting of the
already painted, some care was exercised the rest had internally balanced elevators assembly on the hulls’ tail cone. I drilled
to fill the join seams with Milliput, without with set-back hinges. In the case of the again two large diameter holes, at the
marring the wings. The work was model, all the tail surfaces were made of base of the fin that corresponded with
completed by airbrushing liquid Mr. Surfacer thick plasticard, following the method that similar holes on the tail cone. I used 3/32”
500, thinned with Mr. Color Levelling was employed on the wings (photo 34). diameter brass tubes to hold the
Thinner, and sanded smooth in waiting for The horizontal stabilizer was made in one assemblies together and this time thick
the paint application (photos 31& 32). A piece and passed through the vertical cyanoacrylate was used in the process.
coat of Alclad lacquer verified the fineness stabilizer via a slot made for this purpose. I The rudder and its associated Flettner tab
of the mated surfaces (photo 33) so the drilled two holes at the base of the vertical were both deflected to the right (photo 37),
work went on with the empennage. stabilizer that drilled through the horizontal as a result of the ‘wind’ blowing when the
stabilizer (photo 36) and inserted two 1/16” flying boat is at its moorings. I assembled
THE EMPENNAGE diameter brass pins that secured the the elevators and the rudder at a very late
assembly. Thin cyanoacrylate was left to stage in the construction, having in the
Characterized by a tall vertical fin and a run into the seams and reach the pins, meantime painted the hull and stabilizers.
Flettner servo-rudder, the Short S.8 gluing everything in position.
30 31 32
33 34
18
THE BEACHING GEAR many hours of tedious work, the model

stood on its gear, the supporting cradles
Each beaching gear is comprised of two being at last removed.
sets of ‘V’-struts with a spoked wheel fitted As for the tail trolley, this is a normal piece
between them. The ‘horizontal’ set (angled of scratchbuilt work, needing no more
downwards) is attached to the hulls’ main discussion as it presents no difficulties.
structure at special fittings provided. The
‘vertical’ set (angled inwards) is attached
to the wing spars at special fittings as well.
PAINTING 35
I had successfully tested a way of The reader is already accustomed to the
supporting a flying boat model that had fact that the painting of this model was not
appear to be standing on spoked wheels a final step but it was performed as
without actually doing so (see: ‘The demanded by the rest of the construction.
Supermarine Southampton’, Air Modeller It will be covered here as a whole and in
No.22 and 23). I used this technique again, relation to the real flying boat. The hull of
but with a much heavier model this time. the Short S.8 Calcutta was made entirely
Using the ‘lost wax’ technique, two sets of of anodized Duralumin sheeting which was
the ‘horizontal’ ‘V’-struts (port and darker in appearance and somewhat
starboard) and solid wheel axles were bluish or greyer in colour than the normal
made of styrene rods and cast in metal I airframe aluminium. After assembly the
tied a “rope” (stretched sprue) around the hull was protected from the elements by
base of each ‘V’ that extended below the spraying coats of Rylard clear marine
wheels to be cast in the same mould as varnish and Rylard gloss white enamel on
its planing bottom. This treatment went
36
well. Thus, a metal support leg was
created and, disguised as rope, to hold the also for the nacelles and wingtip floats. The
models’ weight leaving the wheels with different shades of the anodizing treatment
were seen through the clear varnish as
37
only a cosmetic function to perform.
The ‘vertical’ struts were made of brass vertical ‘bands’ all over the hull. All fabric
tubing soldered together with hollow axles. covered areas were given the normal
The idea was to attach each set of ‘V’ aluminium powder coatings and dopes of
struts on its position (photo 38) and while the period.
holding them together, insert the solid axle I used the Alclad range of lacquers. All
into the hollow one. Following repeated dry areas of the model were painted in ALC-
fits (photo 39), continuous measuring and 101. I lightly airbrushed different shades on
making small corrections I ended up with the hull, using ALC-103 Dark Aluminium
gluing each gear in place with thin and ALC-115 Stainless Steel; then I
cyanoacrylate; at the same moment I sprayed on a very light mist of ALC- 403
positioned the wheels in between. After Transparent Blue.
19
Then I painted on the hull, the flying boat’s EPILOGUE 38

registration letters (photo 69). I continued
with the application of two or three layers A multitude of details installed were not
of ALC-310 Clearcote Gloss; and finished referred to allowing the reader a more
with the masking and painting of the focused reading of the main aspects of the
planing bottom in gloss light ivory instead S.8 Calcutta construction.
of white, strictly observing the scale effect Being a multi media construction project,
principle. The registration letters were this model offered me some useful insight
painted in different shades of gloss blue into techniques and procedures not tried
colour depending on the area to be before. As every scratchbuilt model has its
painted. I retained a lighter shade for the own vices (even normal kits do!), the S.8
upper wing topside while at the lower wing Calcutta, being no exception, reversed the
undersides a dark blue shade was chosen. normal order of construction, to the point
As for the hull letters and cheatlines, a mid of frustration, its painting being a clear
shade closer to the lower wings example. This involved risks and setbacks
undersides was used. When G-EBVH was but it finally rewarded me with a most
deployed overseas, the “Imperial Airways”
inscription and names such as “Type
welcome addition to my showcase, and
flying boat collection. 39
Calcutta” that adorned the bow were
removed. The ‘G’ letters on the tail ACKNOWLEDGMENT
surfaces, seen in photos of the flying boat I wish to thank Mr. Bryan Ribbans,
in England, were painted out as well during webmaster of the “Seawings- The Flying
the boat’s service in the Mediterranean. Boat Website”, for his help in providing
Only the flying boats’ name “City Of data that made my construction more
Athens” was left, actually painted on a accurate.
label that was bolted to the bow sides. I
duplicated this by making a label as well. I
printed the name on clear acetate, thin
enough to cater for scale but thick enough
not to look like a decal.
20
21
An Inglorious End
PART TWO
22
modelled by richard carrick

1:32
In this issue, you can see some shots of my finished

diorama. I managed to get it finished for the IPMS UK 50th
Anniversary show at Telford last November, where I'm
pleased to say it won the Aircraft Diorama class. I've tried
to describe as much of the construction process as I can in
this article, but due to space constraints, it would be
impossible to list every detail.
I hope you've enjoyed reading the article, and that it
inspires you to build your own B-17. With the HK Models
kit now available, the possibilities are limited only by your
imagination. The only question now is - how do i follow on
from this!
23
The ammo box was made first

in plastic sheet. I then covered
it in thin wooden veneer. I simply
sent off for a sample pack from
a company that makes furniture. No Fortress would be complete without a
Here's the right hand fuselage half. The waist gun ammo boxes in
The dark shade is probably a chemical toilet! I made mine from a simple plastic
later Fortresses were made of wood to save on weight.. Here you
little too dark (I believe the real tube with added details. You can also see the
can also see the gunner's sheet of armour plate. The interior layout
thing was made of plywood), but detail around the tail wheel. This is visible if you
was based a composite of many photos, both contemporary and
it looked OK to me. look through the rear entrance hatch, so had to be
modern. I found WWII-era images for this section.
added.
The central walkway was again replicated from wooden veneer covered plastic sheet. Nothing replicates Another view looking towards the radio room
wood like the real thing. The canvas bags on the waist guns (to collect spent brass) were made from bulkhead. The hole you can see underneath the
some fabric offcuts of a suitable tight weave that I found at a local curtain repair shop. Spent cartridges ammo box is, in my imagination, the entry hole for
are 1:35 Mission Models. Importantly, the Mission Models sets also include brass shell links. I added a whatever projectile caused the opposite side of
few (in reality there would be hundreds) but ran out of time. I was still happy with the result. the fuselage to blow out.
Inside the finished radio room. Some Verlinden Here's the area just aft of the radio room with the I had originally intended to scratchbuild the rear
maps are strewn around for an added detail. ball turret added. Some more battle damage has gun turret. Due to time constraints (and the fact it
been added and the layers of detail have been would add about another six inches to the size of
built up a little more. the dio base!) I decided against it. I did however
add a section of battle damage to the tail - a
detail I'd seen in my reference pictures.
Here is a shot of one of the fuselage halves

around half way through construction. It was
great to see an essentially empty shell start to
take on the properties of the old Monogram and
Revell Fortresses I remember building as a child!
24
One of the few commercially available parts on

the build is this Norden bombsight by Jerry
Rutman. I added over 40 more detail pieces to
mine.
A prominent feature of the model is the exposed wing roots where the wings have been removed.
Luckily, I had very detailed shots of the recent restoration of RAF Duxford's B-17. The 'stubs' of the vac
kit were removed, the whole area was skinned over with plastic sheet and then the details were added
on top with plastic sheet, strip, rod, and various gauges of wire.
An underside view of the wing root detail. The wing mounting stubs stand proud of the
fuselage. The plastic rods holding it in place serve as a basic framework upon which to
mount the pewter skin panels.
The top of the cockpit was made separately & left

off until the later stages of construction. Here you
can see underneath the cockpit roof. Everything
that needed to be added was done at this stage,
as it was impossible to access once the roof was
attached. Builds like this must be treated like the
complicated engineering feats that they are, and it
definitely pays to plan ahead.
the chin gun windows were built up in stages from

Here's the opposite side wing attachment point - this side carries all the complex piping for the several pieces of plastic card. Later, all
wing de-icing system. Although de-icer boots were often removed from combat Forts, the piping transparencies would be added from individually
remains & had to be replicated. The plastic tubing was enhanced with photoetched cable ties. shaped and moulded pieces of clear thermoform.
25
After some consideration, I decided to cut the Here are some details of the bombardier's station. Further towards the rear of the fuselage, showing
nose off and work on it separately. This made As with previous details, many different photos the navigator's table, chair and radio equipment.
detailing it much easier. The internal ribbing was were studied, then parts common to all were
built up with plastic rod, and the three level floor added. There is some artistic licence throughout
from plastic sheet. the build, but it is as accurate as I could make it.
The bombardier's seat. The chin guns would be The nose section begins to take shape as more detail is added. I found
mostly hidden from view, so it was sufficient just to contemporary shots of B-17s showing a clear perspex inspection panel under the
add the gun bodies (Aries again) and create a basic bombardier's seat - a detail that is missing from modern restorations. Here you can
gun cradle. see it masked off for painting.
26
This is the gunsight for the Bendix chin Another view of the cheek gun window The cheek guns themselves have slightly different mounts than the
turret. It's unusual for modern restorations ones found in the waist. The B-17 is extremely well documented,
to retain this feature, so I consulted my so it was no problem to replicate these details. Aries resin bodies,
contemporary photos closely. Master 0.50 cal barrels and plastic sheet, strip and rod detailing.
As previously alluded to, the

entire model was skinned
I was particularly pleased with the way the nose section looked when with pewter sheet. After
painted up. Once more, thin wooden veneer sheets were used for the drawing on the panel lines
flooring - again it's probably closer to mahogany than plywood colour, but with permanent marker, each
I was happy with it. individual panel was cut to
shape, riveted and then
Below A head-on view - I'm aware that the attached directly to the
fuselage isn't the correct shape. It should be a plastic.
flared 'U' shape at the bottom. This detail is
captured well on the HK Models kit. I decided to
leave it on mine
Right A shot from halfway through construction.

The cockpit roof and the nose have been
attached, and skinning has begun in earnest. It
took several weeks to skin the entire aircraft, all
the while considering which parts would have to
appear damaged… The tail panels. All markings were hand painted using templates that I had custom made for me. The
serial number of this aircraft is from a batch that was planned for production in 1944, but was never
…such at this part in the cockpit. I wanted to manufactured - in essence a fictional machine. This gave me free reign to give it whatever nose art and
show off as much interior detail as I could, and other markings I desired. 'Baby Be Brave' is an entirely made up aircraft. Nose art was designed for me
this was a good way to do it. by my sister, a talented artist. The decals were then custom made for me.
27
I used some square brass tubing from the Albion … which went into these holes. I wouldn't have It was great to finally be able to add some paint. I
Alloys range to make the tailplane attachment been able to add these details without seeing the really liked how the yellow primer of the wing
pegs… fantastic online photo journal of the restoration of attachment area gave a touch of colour.
Duxford's B-17.
It was always my intention to have a 'half-and-half' hybrid of old front section and new rear section. Weathering in this case was applied by using
Here, the model has been fully skinned, and the base colours and markings applied prior to weathering. 1200 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire
The whole model was painted using my airbrush. model surface. Rivet details showed through, and
combined with various washes the painted parts
took on a pleasing 'faded' look.
The nose art decals were custom made for me It's important in a diorama to create balance and The whole thing is displayed in a corner of the
following a design my sister created. Various other fill up dead space. I made this Vector resins diorama to create extra interest.
markings were also produced in decal form as an engine, and then added the engine mount and
alternative to the masks I already had, but in the some other details.
end, the only decal I used was the pin up girl.
28
A ubiquitous feature of any WWII US airbase was …and painted up. Some kind soul pointed out that I wanted to show a handful of figures, as they
the bicycle. Ground personnel used thousands of I had mounted the type pump on the wrong side bring a diorama to life and really help tell a story.
them. I dressed up a Tamiya 1/35 bike with a Lion of the frame. It was subsequently removed! One such figure would be driving this Willy's Jeep.
Roar detail set Tamiya's kit was detailed with an Eduard photo
etched set...
…and painted up...Another machine that never Accurate Armour's Diamond The Federal 40 foot trailer - or my interpretation.
existed… all markings are made up from spare T Wrecker - my first full resin Scratchbuilt, based on the flatbed from Tamiya's
Verlinden dry transfers. kit, and a real learning curve. Dragon Wagon, and finished off with resin wheels.
I was happy with the result
though. The USAAF used the
Federal C-2 wrecker.
Unfortunately as no kit exists,
the Diamond T had to suffice.
Here is that engine again,

complemented by a Lion
Roar photo etched tool
box and tools set.
Adding scale 'dunnage' (scrap wood) to support
the massive weight of the Fortress.
29
The Dutch-manufactured Fokker D.XXI was a low-wing Initially I was going to build this 1:48 scale Special Hobby kit more
monoplane that saw action during the defence of Holland or less out of the box with some additional details like opening the
in May 1940. The type had a much longer and very landing flaps, cockpit canopy and gun bays in the wings. However
the resin Bristol Mercury radial engine from Vector supplied with
successful operational career with the Finnish Air Force
the kit was so finely detailed that it seemed a waste to hide it
against its Soviet counterparts, during both the Winter
away inside the closed cowling. With the cowling now removed,
War and Continuation War. Its rugged design with a radial
the model looked slightly odd with the engine protruding from the
engine and fixed undercarriage made it very suitable for front of the fuselage. So I decided to remove the panels in front of
the harsh Northern conditions, especially as the wheels the cockpit as well, exposing the area directly behind the engine
could be replaced with skis for winter use. and uncovering the internal fuel tank. After that the model
construction was straightforward.
1:48 Special Hobby Fokker XXI
FINNISHFOKKER
Modelled and described by Zdenek Sebesta
30
31
Construction
The kit is another in the series of short-run unless you decide like I did, to utilise the down the internal frame members to the
production models from the Czech after-market detailing set available from correct size and profile. As I also wanted to
company Special Hobby. The fabric- the Hungarian company SBS Model, which open up the cockpit canopy, I ended up
covered rear fuselage and tail assembly I can highly recommend. This small set reconstructing a substantial part of this
are nicely depicted, with some fine rivet contains a nicely cast seat with suspension area using various plastic profiles from
and screw-fixing detail embossed on the detail, gun sights, control column, clear Evergreen, plus I added extra detail to the
metal surface areas. The plastic-moulded polyurethane-cast entrance door for the sides of the cockpit with wire and plastic.
parts are quite robust and easy to work cockpit, as well as photo-etched The cockpit floor of the kit is satisfactory so
with. Supplied with this kit are some instrument panels. Note I say panels as can be used as is. I chose to model one of
additional resin parts e.g. the radial engine there are three variations supplied, the earlier D.XXI aircraft fitted with the
and parts for the cockpit interior. A small covering Fokker D.XXI aircraft operated by tubular gun sight, which came from the
photo-etched fret is also included that Finnish, Dutch or Danish Air Forces. SBS Model set, along with their seat with
contains seatbelts and several minor straps, rudder pedals, control column, and
details, however a disappointment here is Probably because of moulding limitations, the Finnish version of the instrument panel.
that there is no PE version of the the tubular fuselage frame structure of the The interior colour of the Finnish aircraft
instrument panel. So the modeller is left model is too heavy. No problem if you was blue-grey (GSI C 306), with a black
with only the plastic version supplied (with choose to cover everything up but in my instrument panel (GSI C 92).
raised frames around the instruments), case it was a long laborious job to slim
32
The plastic engine in the kit isn’t bad, copper wires and plastic profile strips I with the aid of thin metal sheet and plastic.
unless you want to open up the cowling. added extra detail to the upper area Using some aluminium foil I added other
However the resin engine from Vector is directly behind the engine and fuel tank. raised detail as well. I used a square block
beautifully detailed and only required the of clear Plexiglas to make the large lens of
addition of a few extra details, like using The cantilever wings of the Fokker D.XXI the landing light located on the leading
fine wire for cables and fuel lines. were of wooden construction and hence edge of starboard wing. To get a clean
Unfortunately the actual cowling for the had little surface detail. To improve those face-to-face joint between the fuselage
engine is one of the weaker parts of the kit, of the model I cut away the flaps and and wings I had to glue on a 0.3mm plate
especially regarding the small bulge above repositioned them in the lowered position of plastic sheet and sand to the correct
the cylinder head which is a bit profile. As for the fixed spatted
awkward to correct. I cut off the front undercarriage, these only required the
ring and attached wires to represent filling of minor surface imperfections
the exhaust pipes from each cylinder around the thinned portions.
that connected to it, and using
33
34
Painting
The kit offers a selection of four camouflage schemes and a
variety of decal markings. Of these, the modeller can also
choose to replace the wheels with the skis supplied in the kit
to reproduce an example from winter operations. For me, the
most colourful camouflage markings are those from the 1941-
44 Continuation War period, being two-tone disruptive pattern
on the upper surfaces with distinctive yellow identification
band around the rear fuselage, yellow cowling and broad
yellow areas under the wings from national insignia to wingtip.
I chose to model aircraft FR-98, which flew in this colour
scheme with unit 1/LLv 12 during May 1942. Another reason
for choosing one of these scheme aircraft is that they had a
relatively long service history, so that weathering techniques
could be used to represent wear and tear on the finished
model, just like the original aircraft. I prefer to use GSI Gunze
Sangyo paints on my models, unfortunately they do not
include the exact colours for the Finnish Air Force aircraft
within their paint range. After studying numerous references
for these Finnish colours, I decided to mix my own shades
from the readily available GSI paint range. For the
undersurfaces I used a light grey (GSI C325 – FS equivalent:
36440). For the upper surface disruptive pattern I mixed my
own olive green (GSI C340 + C120 – FS equivalent: approx.
34096) and to get the right shade of the black, a mixture to
represent colour fading in service (GSI C92 + C137 with a
small amount of grey). Yellow (GSI C113) was used for the
fuselage band, engine cowling and areas under the wingtips.
35
Before applying any decals to my model, it insignias. I do understand that these Corel Draw and decal paper. Photographs
was obvious that the Finnish national decals have been spilt for ease of showed that by May 1942, FR-98 was well
insignia and the large white number 3 on worldwide model distribution (especially weathered - with paint worn away,
the rudder would overlap both the black into those few countries for which the especially around the metal panels of the
and olive colours of the upper camouflage swastika is still a banned symbol). For the front fuselage. To achieve this effect I
pattern. The last thing I wanted was this modeller though, not only is it difficult to scraped away areas of the base colour and
colour transition to show through the accurately align these for a precise join repainted as necessary. Note however that
decals once they had been applied. To (the slightest imperfection can be seen) but because the wings were of wood
avoid this possibility happening, I sprayed even as thin as they are, having a second construction, weathering should be
white base patterns in the respective layer of decals does mean the edges are restricted to just the metal parts. For the
areas. The decals included with the kit are still noticeable on the surface of the wings final weathering I used both Neutral and
beautifully printed by AVIPRINT and thin under close examination. Having closely Dark Wash from MIG Production, with the
enough to accurately follow the slightest studied photographs of aircraft FR-98, the model receiving an overall airbrushed
surface detail when applied. However one printed decal codes appeared to be slightly coating of GSI semi-matt varnish.
thing I didn’t like was the splitting of the the wrong size and shape, so I replaced
swastikas used in the Finnish national these with ones I reproduced myself using
Decals & Weathering
36
References:
Fokker D.XXI, Suomen Imavoimien Historia
No.3, 2000
Le Fokker D.XXI, Profiles avions no.9, Lela
Presse, 2005
Foker D.21, Pod lupa 10, ACE Publication
1999
Fokker D.XXI, Dutch Danish Service,
Phalanx Publ. 1994
Fokker D.XXI, profile Publications 63
IPMS Mallari 5-6/1989, 2/2003
37
With the work on the top turret completed I

was ready to move on to closing the fuselage
although there were still a number of loose
ends to be completed before this could be
done with several sub-assemblies needing to
be brought together and some final details like
the radio room ammunition bin constructed.
There was also still detail to add to the
separate nose section before its two halves
were joined including reworking the Norden
bombsight and the chin turret controls.
To build the roof mounted chin turret gun sight I salvaged a couple of the kit
Above An overall view of the parts (in grey) but I used spare bits of photoetch and scratch built the rest. A
crowded nose which still needs the disc of clear plastic was tinted with transparent orange for the filter on the
control yoke for the chin turret fitting. front of the sight. I also made a new mounting plate for the sight on the roof of
the nose.
38 The kit bombsight does a good job of capturing the look of The bombsight was painted as a separate sub-assembly. I especially like the Data Book in its
the real thing and only lacks some minor detail. recesses in rack on the front of the sight which should be visible inside the nose glazing.
the underside were filled with putty before the missing details
were added.
The glide and climb angles data placard is moulded into the The office style swivel chairs each needed seat belts and HGW came to the rescue with
fuselage on the kit so I mad a new one to glue over the top of it. their excellent laser cut belts. Its fiddly work but the results are worth the effort. The
The lettering was scraped into the black paint to expose the white navigator has a simple strap on his seat and the third example is for the radio room.
plastic.
The counterbalance system for the 50 Cal machine guns features some long spring I added the wire and clip for the breach using a spare seat belt latch
loaded pulleys and cables. The restrictions of working around the separate nose from the HGW set and some easy line. It is not strictly accurate but
meant that I could not replicate this exactly but I made the springs which are quite gives the correct impression.
visible by wrapping wire around fine brass tube to make them rigid.
The small shelf which sits above the Navigator’s desk needs a little
additional work to its reverse as it can be seen through the fuselage
windows.
With the two halves of the nose finally joined I was able to finish the installing of
the ammunition chute for the left side gun. The flexible resin chute makes this
relatively easy. The Bombardier’s chair is also fitted in position now.
39
The gunsight and the bombsight were then added at the front of the nose.
The tail gun assembly was

finally fitted into the fuselage
with the guns and ammunition
chutes installed. I also
upgraded the ammo belts in I made a fire extinguisher from plastic rod and this
the bins using the superb Live was added to the red panel on the radio room
Resin belts. bulkhead.
The swivel chair with seat belts was installed and

the oxygen hose was added to the side wall.
The radio room MG was upgraded

using the Eduard parts which includes
the pivot mount.
The ammunition box for the roof mounted gun in

the radio room is not provided in the kit so I made
one from plastic sheet and fixed it to the fuselage
wall before adding another of the Live Resin belts.
40
Finally the fuselage was closed and taped together whilst it dried. The top section of the fuselage was then installed after much test fitting to ensure the best
possible fit. Even so I had some gaps to fill and a small lip along the transition from the top section to the lower fuselage. Here sanding is underway.
Back to the nose and I scratchbuilt the air vent that stops the bomb aiming The remote control yoke for the chin turret was detailed with the pair of red
window from misting up from lead wire with aluminium tape wrapped around it. safety grips made from spare photoetch.
The air vent and control yoke were then installed into the nose making sure that The nose is now really crowded and I primed the lip around the opening in
the nose glazing would still fit properly. silver in preparation for the glazing to be added.
To give the impression of the fixing points for the nose glazing I drilled a series
of small holes around the outer lip of the glazing. 41
The Project continues in the next Issue

new releases
Wingnut Wings 1:32 DFW C.V Mid Production

There is hardly time to draw breath between the new stuff from without push rods allowing the modeller to add their own in
the Wingnuts team and the latest release is a pair of two-seaters, preference to the solid moulded examples that the kit instructions
described by Wingnut Wings as arguably the single most recommend - a nice touch! Separate cowlings mean you can also
important German aircraft of WW1. This is the Mid Production expose all this engine detail if you want. Overall moulding quality
version of the DFW C.V although both kits share many common is exceptional, just look at the line of raised pips running along the
parts, as the differences are mostly engine cowlings, radiators leading edge of the tail fin! The kit includes the generic German
and exhaust pipes. The stunning full colour Wingnut Wings equipment sprue with ladders, cameras of assorted sizes and toy
instruction book is on hand to guide you throughout the build and teddy bear naturally. The stunning Cartograph decal sheet offers a
with subtle variations especially in the engine cowlings between choice of five different schemes and there is a small photoetched
the five subject aircraft, you need to make a choice before you fret providing seat belts and sleeves for the machine guns which
start building. Some of the cowling parts require modification with come with a special former to allow them to be rolled to the
louvres being cut away or panels opened up in others. There are correct diameter. With the exception of your choice of rigging line
also three styles of radiators to keep you on your toes! It comes its all in the box and with complete colour guides in the
as no surprise that there is a beautifull fully detailed cockpit instructions there is no excuse for the WW1 novice. Still at the top
provided which will reward the builder as it is going to be visible in of our list of the best injection moulded kits on the market and this
44 the open fuselage. The engine also gets the fully detailed one is no exception! www.wingnutwings.com
treatment and there are two sets of cylinders moulded with and
Wingnut Wings 1:32 DFW C.V Late Production

This second version of the DFW is my favourite of the two just kits. Also familiar are the well engineered wing strut locations and
because of the choice of markings that come with this version the rigging points which make for trouble-free assembly but with
including one challenging scheme with an elaborate multi- multiple strut patterns care is required to make sure you fit the
coloured speckled paint finish if you are feeling brave! As you right ones for your chosen scheme. The excellent full colour
would expect much of the kit is the same as the mid production instruction booklet is there to guide you through areas like this
with the main difference being the ‘ear’ radiators mounted each with colour coded options and a multi-view rigging diagram. There
side of the fuselage on the mid production are replaced by a are five different schemes provided on the two stunning decal
single radiator mounted above the engine on the wing leading sheets which feature all the placards and logos required to bring
edge. Once again you get the same fully detailed engine and the model to life. The kit also includes the clear moulded
there is a choice of different pattern cowlings and cooling vents windscreen parts and the photoetched fret for the seat harnesses
depending on which colour scheme you model. The cowlings and and machine gun barrels. Once again we have exhausted our
vents all come with impressively moulded open louvres and there supply of superlatives for these kits which are an example of how
is the stunning fully detailed cockpit tub which is precision all kits should be - stunning! www.wingnutwings.com for these and 45
engineered to plug into the fuselage like all the Wingnuts Wings the full range.
BR32123 BR32169
BR32156
BR32160
Barracuda Cast 1:32 Bf 109 G Upgrades

Barracuda Cals 1:32 Bf 109 G-10’s Decals,
1:48 F4U-1 Birdcage Corsairs
More juicy new releases from the Barracuda studios and we begin with a selection
of upgrade resin parts designed primarily for the recently released 1:32 Revell Bf
109 G kits. Set BR32123 is a complete new G-10 / K-4 propeller and spinner with
the wide chord propeller blades, and will also suit the Hasegawa kits. The blades
are perfectly cast and the spinner features all the rivet detail and accurately shaped
appatures for the blades. BR32169 offers new inner upper wing sections with small
wheel bulges to suit the narrow wheel aircraft. Test fitting shows that these are a
perfect match for the kit parts so should simply drop into place. BR32160 is a new
G-10/K-4 oil cooler fairing with an accurate shape and subtle rivet detail. Finally we
have BR32156 which provides a new seamless supercharger intake, hollow
exhausts and separate cooling scoops. On the Revell kit the scoops are moulded
solid so these will really improve the look of the model and the exhausts will save
you a great deal of work. As with the other sets the casting quality is stunning.
Moving now to the decal sets and there are two sets of 1:32 sheets with markings
for Erla Bf109 G-10’s designed for the Revell kit. Each set contains a generous
choice of seven schemes across two Cartograph sheets. These provide two
complete sets of the generic stencilled markings and four sets of national markings.
Each set comes with superb full colour illustrations of each scheme with
background information and a diagram showing where all the stencils are located.
Your only problem will be choosing which scheme to model! For your 1:48 Birdcage
46 Corsairs we have BC32130 which offers six Cartograph schemes in the same style
as the 109 sheets with generic markings and colour guide.
Pheon1:32 Salmson 2A2 Decals

Our friends at specialist decal company Pheon have been busy notes on each scheme covering the source for the markings and
again with no less than three very colourful sets of alternative the specific configuration of the aircraft. The American / Polish set
markings for the Salmson 2A2, designed to compliment the covers less subject aircraft but comes with two decal sheets to
recent Wingnut Wings kits. The first two sets, 32048 and 32049 provide the national markings not present in the Wingnuts kits.
both provide a choice of nine different schemes for French aircraft Because of the high number of colours used to print these they
and 32050 offers seven schemes for US and Polish aircraft. I love are a limited edition release so it is well worth going to
these WW1 French graphics with their huge logos which have www.pheondecals.com quickly to order a set because I expect
been stunningly replicated on these multi-coloured decal sheets. that these will be very popular. Great to see WW1 French aircraft
Along with the decals comes a set of high quality colour profiles getting this attention and as ever Pheon’s production quality is first
for each scheme to assist with positioning along with an A5 class
booklet with both background information and more detailed
Airscale 1:24 Hawker Typhoon instrument decals

Airfix’s big and beautifull Hawker Typhoon was sure to cause a stir individual placement of the instruments onto the kit parts or
with modellers of British subjects and the aftermarket upgrades creation of a ‘sandwich’ of plastic card (with a clear face supplied
are starting to hit the market. Airscale have a range of beautifully requiring cutting). The print detail is first rate and application will
reproduced cockpit gauges and placards which really help with certainly be worth the effort for the finished results.
the finnese in larger scales, 1:24 being an ideal candidate. This www.airscale.co.uk has details of how to order and a gallery of 47
set has the complete range to deck-out your Typhoon including products.
colour where required. Two methods of application are offered:
new releases
F-16 Fighting Falcon, Vol.II

Frédéric Lert
Published by Histoire & Collections
Softbacked format, 80 pages, French text
ISBN 978 2 352503 16 3
www.casematepublishers.co.uk
This second volume on the F-16 (No.3 in the Great American the usual greys. As a reference there's very few detail shots of the
Combat Aircraft series) from H&C covers versions C to F still aircraft, most are 'in action' overall views with little in the way of in-
serving in twenty countries around the globe. There is a lot depth technical information although the text covers production
packed into this book, the main draw for the modeller is the huge changes and upgrades. I think my subject of choice would be the
amount of colour photographs with some real stunning paint drone air target QF-16 with it's well worn and patched-up grey
schemes and excellent quality shots. Also of equal quality are the sporting hi-vis orange wing and tail tips. A visual feast for Falcon
fourteen pages of colour profiles which will get the imagination fans.
racing with some great schemes should you fancy a change from
Lictorian Fasces Over England

Marek Sobski
Published by Kagero
Softbacked format, 60 pages
ISBN 978 83 62878 96 3
Documenting Regia Aeronautica's action against
England in the Battle of Britain is this twentieth
release in Kagero's 'Air Battles' series which
provide great concise history lessons and
modelling inspiration. Starting with the modelling
side of things, Kagero always have some beautiful
artwork, the CR.42 and FIAT G.50 the main
subjects here in the spreads of large format
profiles backed-up with historical and technical
text on the aircraft operating from the Belgian
bases. The logistics behind the bases set-up is
detailed and plenty of period photographs are
used throughout. Not being a subject I have any
knowledge on, it was interesting to read of the
respect the Italian pilots gained from their RAF
counterparts for their skill and bravery in adverse
conditions. Our thanks to Casemate for the
Kagero samples.
The latest edition of Luftwaffe Im Focus information. Some beautiful colour profiles
shares the usual serving of unpublished accompany the subject photos to provide
Luftwaffe Im Focus 23 photographs in both colour and black and excellent modelling reference including
Edition No.23 white featuring some superb images. A aircraft and some previously unseen unit
Softback format, A4,48 pages collaboration of experts again share their markings. To accompany the profiles in
knowledge of all types of aircraft; several of the editions, decal sheets are
German / English text
48 reconnaissance, fighters, bombers, available on Start's website. Essential to the
ISBN 978 3 941437 23 4 transport…there's something for all serious Luftwaffe fan.
www.luftfahrtverlag-start.de enthusiasts with very in depth research and
Das Vergessene As-

Der Jagdflieger Gerhard Barkhorn
Bernd Barbas
Published by Luftfahrtverlag-Start
Hardback format, 206 pages, German / English text
ISBN 978 3 941437 22 7
www.luftfahrtverlag-start.de
The forgotton Ace, Gerhard Barkhorn, may be a name familiar to throughout WWII with a stunning collection of Me 109 images,
Luftwaffe enthusiasts as he was second only to Hartmann for his mostly in large format and many in colour. Several high quality
number of aerial victories, perhaps only because of his time spent colour profiles of his aircraft are also presented along with
in hospital being shot down twice. Serving until the end flying the detailed maps to aid the reader. The translation of the text is
Me 262 only days before the end of the war, the book traces in excellent and very readable with some compelling first hand
superb detail the life of Barkhorn with the most excellent accounts of action. Highly recommended to Luftwaffe enthusiasts
photographs, many of which have been carefully restored in both and modellers, worth the purchase price for the photographs
black and white and colour. alone. Our thanks to Axel Urbanke of Start for our sample copy.
Starting with Barkhorn’s family background and initial training, the
majority of the book concentrates on his service with JG 52
Airfix 1:72 Bristol Blenheim Mk.I

A long overdue subject in any scale is the Blenheim, and who rib detail a little too pronounced for 1:72? Easily rectified, if you
better in true Brit fashion than Airfix to give us an all new kit in agree, with some sanding. Clear parts are very nice with fine
1:72. First impressions are very favourable with fine and sharp glazing bars, fingers crossed for a good fit as the nose section is
panel lines, well detailed multi-part engines and undercarriage split symmetrically. The decal sheet is excellent with one RAF
and a respectable cockpit (but surprisingly only one chap in the version, No.62 Squadron, Malaysia 1941 and surprisingly a 49
crew). A good variety of bomb payloads are offered with open or Romanian Air Force version. Another very welcome, quality Airfix
closed bomb doors and separate control surfaces which have the release which offers great value for money.
new releases
Luftwaffe War Diary

Thomas McGuril & Uwe Feist
Published by Stackpole Books
Hardback format, 288 pages
ISBN 978 0 8117 1422 8
Here's a must for the coffee table of the Luftwaffe enthusiast, this contemporary colour images of insignia and uniforms and some
nicely presented hardback is packed with (mostly) colourful colour illustrations mixed in with black and white shots makes for
images detailing ranks and insignia, equipment and aces a very nice presentation. From a reference perspective, the
throughout WWII. The main section of the book concentrates on uniforms and equipment which is detailed is very useful should
the most fames aces and their escapades, Galland, you be looking to include figures. Some of the images will be
Mölders,Marseille…over 400 images including period colour (and familiar to collectors of Luftwaffe literature but this is a very nicely
coloured black and white images which I'm not a fan of personally) compiled and presented book to add to the library.
Airfix 1:72 BBMF Collection and

1:72 D-Day Air Assault
A couple of compiled 'Gift Sets' from 1b is the most recent Airfix tooling so
Airfix which come complete with we can expect the usual new
adhesive, acrylic paints and a couple of generation Airfix quality with sharp
brushes obviously aimed at the more moulding and high levels of detail. The
occasional or younger modeller. The D- BBMF Collection includes the Lancaster
Day set offers vehicles from recent B MkIII and two Spitfires, a MkIIa and
Airfix releases, the BSA, Tilly truck and PR.XIX, again, all the latest tooled kits
Bedford truck along with thirty seven along with a display stand allowing 'in
figures. The figures show decent detail flight formation' all with the accurate
but have some flash to clean up being markings of the memorial flight aircraft
moulded in a softer material and the produced by the decal experts
base is a vacuum forming which will Cartograf. As always, a lot of modelling
need fixing to something sturdy but for your money from Airfix.
providing a good starting point to add www.airfix.com will keep you right up to
some textures and detail. The Typhoon date with releases.
Finnish Fighter Colours Vol.I 1939 - 1945

Kari Stenman & Karolina Holda
Published by Mushroom Models Publications
Hardback format, 208 pages
ISBN 978 8363678074
www.mmpbooks.biz
If you're inspired by our featured Finnish Fokker this issue here's a aircraft with tables of deliveries and operational history. It's obvious
timely release from our friends at MMP. This Volume one covers a these were hard-worked aircraft with some excellent reference of
really interesting mixed-bag of aircraft serving in the colourful extreme weathering should you fancy trying your hand at some
Finnish markings throughout WWII namely; Bristol Bulldog, Fokker new techniques, there's plenty to inspire a new project throughout
D XXI, Gladiator, FIAT G 50 MS 406 and Brewster 239. Each with some simple insignia which could be created by home-made
50
aircraft is extensively covered with excellent period black and masks if the aftermarket guys don't have it covered. Another
white shots alongside superb colour profile illustrations excellent reference from MMP which offers great value.
highlighting certain insignia and unique markings of the subject
72089 72091
72090
24007
48265 72092
48263 48264
48266 32084
Scale Aircraft Conversions
SAC have been busy again expanding their catalogue of landing for the Hobby Boss YF-23 and 48266 for the Kitty Hawk F-101
gear upgrades in white metal. Starting small in 1:72 is 72089 For Voodoo. In 1:32 there’s one new set for Trumpeter’s EE Lighting
the new Airfix C-47, 72090 for Sword’s Lightning T Mk 4/5, 72091 which provides shorter main gear legs than the kit parts. Finally in
for Hasegawa’s F-35 A/B and 72092 for the lovely Zvezda Su-27. giant 1:24 are some sure footing for Kinetic’s P-47 with set 24007
Up to 1:48 is 48263 for the Kinetic Do 215, 48264 for the X-47B
from Freedom Models, 48265 is a set with improved fixing points
Revell 1:32 Bristol Beaufighter Mk.IF

Our excitement at the prospect of a beautiful big Beaufighter in standards. A new feature is the decal sheet, two versions are
thirty-second was unfortunately short-lived; big? indeed, but not nicely printed; one in Egypt 1941 and one in night fighter finish
so beautiful being of 1974 vintage this is the original Revell / based at Coltishall both of which would make for a very
Monogram tooling and predictably shows it's age. Crude detail impressive finished piece if you're up to the challenge. Revell kits
and raised panel lines are the order of day so plenty of old-school are available from all good toy and hobby retailers, www.revell.eu
modelling will be required to bring detail up to contemporary will keep you up to date with their releases.
Revell 1:72 EH-101 Merlin HMA.1

This Merlin appears to be a re-box from early in the decade of this together without any great fuss. This version offers the folding tail
kit which has been available in several guises over the years from but doesn't have the cargo ramp as the HC.3 but includes the
both Revell and Italeri, a version of which I built back in issue 36, tagged-on sprue with torpedoes and HMA.1 specifics. A nice
an enjoyable build it was too producing a handsome helo straight simple build with plenty aftermarket available should you wish to
from the box. The decal sheet may be new as three Royal Navy indulge a little. Revell kits are available from all good toy and
schemes from 2003 are included, the box art showing the striking hobby retailers, www.revell.eu will keep you up to date with their 51
tiger stripe markings. The moulding of the pale grey sprues is still releases.
sharp with good detail throughout and from memory it all fits
new releases
Breguet 1050 Alizé

Arnauld Prudhomme
Published by Histoire & Collections
Softbacked format, 64 pages, French text
ISBN 978 2 352502 30 2
Reminding me very much of the Fairey Gannet, the Alizé is a abundance of photographs and factory manual exerts. The wide
quirky looking aircraft based on French carriers in the main with a range and quantity of photos make this a worthwhile reference,
long service history and available in both 1:72 and 1:48, though it text aside, and several spreads of colour profiles prove good
may prove to take some digging around to find one of the short- inspiration for markings although I'd have liked to have seen these
run French kits if you don't already have one in your collection. larger across more pages as the quality is really nice. Quality as
Although the development and service history is detailed in the you'd expect from H&C.
book, my limited grasp of French had me relying on the
The Airbrush Company-

Force8 respirator
Most of us use an airbrush or spray can at some point and

it's easy to forget to be safe and wear protection (no smutty
giggles from the back of the class please…) If you don't
have the luxury of a dedicated spray booth with extractors,
some kind of mask is a must when using aerosols or
perhaps airbrushing a base-coat where there's a lot of
vapour floating around. I must say this JSP twin cartridge
half-mask respirator is the most comfortable I've tried with a
soft TPE construction and low resistance valve allowing
normal, easy breathing without steaming up my specs (a
problem I've encountered in the past). www.airbrushes.co.uk
supply their's with two replaceable filters for around half the
cost of an average new kit, a small price to pay to stay safe.
Ju87 D/G (Vol.II)

Marek J. Murawski, Marek Ryś
Published by Kagero
Softbacked format, 112 pages
ISBN 978 83 62878 97 0
This second volume in the 'Monograph' series focusses on the combat histories, all illustrated throughout with a good selection of
'Dora' and the tank-buster versions of the Stuka, as with the other black and white period photographs. Some plan drawings in 1:72
3D editions in this series there are a great number of digital accompany the 3D illustrations which certainly have the modeller
illustrations making excellent modelling reference with their clear in mind with large format views of the instruments, seating,
52 and highly detailed renders of components and overall views. A cockpit and also the underwing canons. A couple of colour profiles
historical introduction includes a portfolio of Ju87 Aces and the finish off this worthwhile reference for Luftwaffe modellers.
units that were equipped with the D and G versions with their
54
The Su-27, Nato name Flanker, is a twin-

engined super-manoeuverable fighter
aircraft designed by Sukhoi. Complementing
the smaller MiG-29, the Su-27's closest US
counterpart is the F-15 Eagle. The Su-27
entered service with the Soviet Air Force in
1985. The Su-27UB (Uchebno Boevoj,
trainer), later renamed Su-30 (Flanker C) is
two-seat trainer with full combat capability;
externally is practically identical to the Su-27
apart from two features, it is heavier than
the Su-27 approximately 1,120 kg and the
fuselage is slightly elongated and the ventral
fins are a little higher to correct the
aerodynamics providing similar performance
to the Su-27.
Aurelio Reale
details the Academy kit
55
Build
I started with the cockpit, the one offered copper wire for the structure, while the tail slightly shifted to the left (as viewed
by the kit is not bad if you want to leave curtain has been made from a sweet front).
the canopy closed. The detail is good from wrapper. To increase the level of detail of the model
the box but I wanted to create that feeling Other additions were made in front and the I decided to open the parachute
of "fullness" and "crowding" of a cockpit, rear wheel bays with plumbing added with compartment, reconstructing the
especially a two-seater. I therefore copper wire, stretched sprue and some parachute through the use of milliput
preferred to entirely scratch-build the photoetch from the spares box. modelled to simulate a parachute stowed
internal detail through the use of copper The kit assembly is done without too many inside the compartment immediately after
wire, plasticard and various other problems, the only extra care is to glue the the pre-flight check.
materials. Aftermarket resin seats were two halves which make the main structure,
chosen with the complex look of the seat starting from the front (which has a larger Much attention has been given to the
belts adding to the busy detail. amount of details and therefore more at aircraft’s armament. Although consisting of
Another area that has received a risk in case of possible filling and sanding) only missiles, each of these has been
considerable amount of modification was so that any misalignment is present in the treated in great detail by careful painting
the canopy. This in fact was lacking any rear where you will not have to worry about and applying all the decals, some are
detail necessary so that it could be sanding and filling due to the almost total small and difficult to apply, but greatly
displayed in the open position. Built from lack of surface detail. increase the realism and detail of the
scratch, I paid particular attention to the The kit provides the choice of position for finished piece.
curtain used during training flights. This the control surfaces. I chose to glue the
was achieved by the use of plasticard and flaps slightly lowered while the two rudders
56
Paint
Painting -what I think is the most enjoyable part of our hobby, in which your artistic
talent can be shown. The model, after being degreased, received a coat of white
semi-gloss from Model Master, followed by an accurate pre-shading along all the
panel lines of the model. The entire camouflage was done freehand with my Iwata
airbrush and fine 0.3 needle. The colours used were those from Model Master
dedicated to Russian camo; Flanker Medium Blue, Grey Fulcrum and Flanker Blue /
Grey. The three colours were applied by following a few photos found on the web, it
should be said that the Russian camouflage differs from one aircraft to the other, so
it is good to use reference photos that depict the aircraft you want to represent.
On this aircraft I wanted to experiment with a different kind of

colouring technique, I have in fact painted, after tracing the outline
of the camo, the interior of each panel present in the area until you
get to the line of pre-shading, without covering it completely. By
repeating this process for each panel, the lines were automatically
covered by the effect of the over-spray. The edge was then gently
sprayed very diluted colour to obtain the desired effect.
For metal finished parts I used Metal Cote

(Humbrol) and Metallizer (Model Master). The
starting point was gloss black Humbrol and then a
switch to a first coat of polished alluminium over
the entire engine area. After waiting a few
minutes I polished it all with a cotton ball. Several
panels were finished with Polished Steel
(Humbrol), Magnesium and Burnt Metal
(ModelMaster) all receiving a coat of Tamiya gloss
and further work with oils and pigments as well as
various glazes finishing with Tamiya clear as a
sealer.
57
Weathering and groundwork

The decals were applied over 3 coats of Finally, I added the last effects weathering, the paint chips caused by weathering
Tamiya Gloss to avoid silvering, it was such as fluid leakage, with a triple 0 brush conditions which these objects are
necessary to use Gunze softener because and very diluted oil paint and coloured subjected in real life.
of the thickness of the decals from pencils. Note the small cloth resting on the barrel
Academy. A further coat of clear and I was made from a sweet wrapper, the slight
ready to apply some washes; a mixture of For the groundwork I decided to use the texture adds realism. Tiny details such as
Vandyke Brown and Black (70/30) very Brassin set for the Rocket Launcher B-8M1 this always add to the overall finished
dilute was allowed to flow by capillary together with the transport cart and a fuel display I feel, as do the weeds growing
action along the panels and the excesses barrel taken from the ICM set. For the through the gaps of the concrete pad.
were removed with a cloth lightly soaked weathering of the accessories I used the
with thinner in the direction of air flow. ‘hairspray’ technique in order to reproduce
58
59
Renaud Pouge
Converts the Airfix 1:48
Lynx HMA.8 into a Lynx HAS Mk2
of the French Navy
60
The model of the Airfix 1:48 Westland Lynx is probably the best But alas, only the current versions are available for this aircraft.
representation of this helicopter in any scale. As for the Lynx AH-7, We must therefore search the aftermarket to build an earlier
Airfix has equipped it’s naval Lynx with an incredible variety of version of Lynx: an aircraft of the French Naval Aviation, assigned
parts to present the aircraft in multiple configurations, both in to the Flotilla 34F in the early ‘80s being my choice subject.
terms of variants, armament and electronic equipment. The result Early Lynx in the French Navy, what’s to be modified?
is that the building instructions look like a maintenance manual of Most of the required parts are included in the Rotor Craft Lynx
the helicopter, with all configurations covered! HAS.2 – HAS.3 conversion.
One of the biggest and most complex Two jigs are also supplied, a cutting jig and Tail rotor gear box, tail plane (longer than
changes that is required to make the an assembly jig to assist with the blade the Airfix part), replacement engine cover
conversion to an early Lynx is that they conversion. parts and new stub wings are also
used the metal blades. The main rotor was Then comes the nose. No FLIR (even included. The resin tail plane will somehow
not equipped with BERP but with classic nowadays) on French helicopters. The resin need modifications as the trailing edge
steel rotor blades. Rotor Craft provides a nose provided by Rotor Craft fits perfectly was not equipped with an angle bracket as
set of blades, including four correct tips to the plastic parts and gives our Lynx her was the case for Lynx of the Royal Navy.
and four blade roots. The design of the initial shape. Rotor Craft also provides a new over-head
conversion insures a total rigidity in the The set also contains a complete new tail console and light bar, replacement back
blades i.e, no bending of a resin blade over rotor. This modification is very important wall with ‘broom cupboard’ and a small
time. New blade tips can be adapted to since the early tail rotor turned anti- dinghy pack for the SAR missions.
the straight or the folded blades in the kit. clockwise (the late one turns clockwise).
61
Cabin Fever...
But things would be too easy if all the seat are scratchbuilt with Evergreen
required ‘stuff’ was included in a single strip styrene and lead foil, while the rear
upgrade (I'd better say "downgrade") set. seat is part of the Airfix kit.
The instrument panel of French Lynx is Last step before closing the fuselage: the
totally different from a HMA-8 or a Mk 88 windshield and upper windows. A bit like the
helicopter. The starboard and central panels Lynx AH-7, the French Lynx HAS-2 was
are actually closer to an AH-7 panel than equipped with a targeting system that
from a HMA-8 and the port panel is roughly partially obstructed the upper window of the
similar to the Mk.88 instrument panel, with co-pilot. The eye sight has been scratch
the exception of the radar screen being built and the window simply reduced by
smaller on French aircraft. I finally decided painting the visor area in grey. The over
to use 2 Eduard sets for the cockpit: a head console has been replaced by a pre-
complete interior set for the Mk.88 + a painted one from the Eduard fret on which I
"Zoom" set for the AH-7. The radar scope just changed the engine control levers (the
was scratchbuilt with Evergreen styrene. The P.E. parts are too thin).
centre console needs to be improved too,
specific panels such as the torpedoes fire Once the interior was completed, I could
control panel and communication panel close the fuselage. Eduard provides six
have replaced the initial ones provided by parts of photoetched metal to represent the
Eduard. cargo doors fairing. The assembly
instructions recommend gluing these parts
All seat belts have been removed, using a before inserting the cabin in the two
model chisel (by Master Tools) and replaced fuselage halves. I tried… but recommend
by new ones made with lead foil. Pilot and painting the P.E. parts and gluing them when
co-pilot seats are equipped with 4 point the fuselage is completely assembled.
harness (5 on Royal Navy Lynx… and in the
Airfix kit). Building a early Naval Lynx requires you to
move the Doppler antenna. Both Rotor Craft
I have chosen to build a helicopter prepared and Eduard provide a new antenna. The
for medical evacuation purpose and for rear antenna and it fairing have been
supporting nationals in conflict areas such removed and the gap filled with the
as Lebanon in the early 80's. The cargo area provided resin part. It is necessary to sand
was fitted with 3 stacked stretchers and 2 the internal side of the floor to allow the
seats. The starboard seat, rear facing is resin stub wings to fit the the Airfix plastic
intended to accommodate a doctor or a parts. A dry assembly is highly
nurse, while the port seat attached to the recommended in order to get a perfect
rear bulkhead can host a wounded junction between the fuselage and the stub
passenger. Stretchers and doctor's wings roots.
62
On The Outside...
The tail assembly is rather simple. Only the The painting scheme of French naval another 24 hours drying, I sprayed Mr
ventilation grille of the transmission shaft helicopters in the 80's was very simple. The Hobby flat coat.
needs to be completely drilled rather than whole fuselage was painted blue-grey (very The Lynx is gently weathered with oil paints
sanded before gluing the required close from the RAF PRU blue), except for diluted in white spirit. As with AFVs, the
photoetched part. The adaptation of resin the upper surfaces painted white. After whole surface is brushed with white spirit
parts (Tail rotor gear box and tail plane) is covering the whole kit with primer, I before applying a wash with a dark
very easy. However, it is important to clean sprayed the blue shade with Tamiya XF-18. "Vandyck Brown" by Rembrandt and
the join of the resin gearbox using a dental The lower surfaces were then protected "Neutral tint" by Sennellier. The weathering
drill. This allows a perfect fit with the plastic and Tamiya XF-1 white was sprayed on the method is a bit different for the rotor
parts. upper surfaces. After 24 hours drying, I blades, using the "filter" method, since it is
sprayed Mr Hobby clear cote (gloss) and necessary to show the rotation effect. With
applied the markings. oil colours, I painted white, blue, red, green
Most markings are from Belcher Bits decal and yellow dots on the blades and gently
sheet, with the exception of squadron swept them with a flat brush dipped in
badges that come from the amazing decal whitespirit ... always in the direction of the
sheet designed by Syhart (ref 48-911). air flow.
After applying decal softener and allowing
63
A very important point with the

Lynx (and perhaps with other
helicopters) is that the standard
operating procedure requires
positioning the blades at an angle
of 45 ° relative to the fuselage
during engines shutdown. The
aim of this manoeuvre is to
prevent the blades from damages
by being above the turbine
exhausts during start-up
64
And Finally...
Airfix did a terrific job with this naval Lynx, especially by
paying much attention to the surface details. Each rivet,
each strengthener is represented and makes this model
the perfect kit to reconnect with the world of rotorcraft
that I had left for several years. My next helicopter will be
an AS-365 Dauphin used by the French Government
Transport Squadron in the 80's… and after this one; I
would like to scratchbuild a SA-321 Super-Frelon in
quarter scale. Some say I'm crazy!!!
The necessary parts to downgrade

the current Lynx into an
early helicopter in
French service:
- Airfix 1/48 Lynx HMA.8

- Eduard FE-618 Lynx AH.7 Interior Self Adhesive
- Eduard 49625 Lynx Mk.88 Interior Self Adhesive
- Eduard 48741 Lynx HMA.8 exterior
- Eduard adhesive masks EX-366 for Lynx HMA.8
- Belcher Bits decal sheet (Lynx HAS-2 / 3)
- Syhart decal sheet for squadron badges
- Rotor Craft (by AZ models) conversion for HAS.2 and HAS.3 Lynx
65

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Issue 56 cover_Layout 1 11/09/2014 12:04 Page 1

12 Short S8 Calcutta Part Two

22 An Inglorious End Part Two

38 Big Bird B-17, Part 7

60 French Navy Lynx HAS Mk2

Meng AIR Modeller is published Bimonthly by

MODELLED BY DANIEL ZAMARBIDE SUÁREZ

With this type of radial engined aircraft I

The assembled engine first received a coat

A white base coat helps obtain a

I decided the excellent kit cockpit detail was

The only additions made are the harnesses.

The assembly of the kit is excellent, all the

To begin the painting I applied a layer of

After the whole metal finish process, I

Japanese aircraft often showed evedence of heavy weathering

Landing gears were detailed with

A fine black line helps the

After the whole process of assembly and painting, the

G-EBVH, ‘CITY OF ATHENS’.

As the details would probably be seen from

These were stepped-up and positioned reflecting again the 3-

JOINING THE ASSEMBLIES

Lots of measuring and dry-fitting made the

26 bringing the two assemblies together was a

THE BEACHING GEAR many hours of tedious work, the model

Then I painted on the hull, the flying boat’s EPILOGUE 38

modelled by richard carrick

In this issue, you can see some shots of my finished

The ammo box was made first

Here is a shot of one of the fuselage halves

One of the few commercially available parts on

The top of the cockpit was made separately & left

the chin gun windows were built up in stages from

As previously alluded to, the

Right A shot from halfway through construction.

Here is that engine again,

1:48 Special Hobby Fokker XXI

Modelled and described by Zdenek Sebesta

Decals & Weathering

With the work on the top turret completed I

The tail gun assembly was

The swivel chair with seat belts was installed and

The radio room MG was upgraded

The ammunition box for the roof mounted gun in

The Project continues in the next Issue

Wingnut Wings 1:32 DFW C.V Mid Production

Wingnut Wings 1:32 DFW C.V Late Production

Barracuda Cast 1:32 Bf 109 G Upgrades

Pheon1:32 Salmson 2A2 Decals

Airscale 1:24 Hawker Typhoon instrument decals

F-16 Fighting Falcon, Vol.II

Lictorian Fasces Over England

Das Vergessene As-

Airfix 1:72 Bristol Blenheim Mk.I

Luftwaffe War Diary

Airfix 1:72 BBMF Collection and

Finnish Fighter Colours Vol.I 1939 - 1945

Revell 1:32 Bristol Beaufighter Mk.IF

Revell 1:72 EH-101 Merlin HMA.1

Breguet 1050 Alizé

The Airbrush Company-

Most of us use an airbrush or spray can at some point and