FineScale Modelerの October 2016 の目次

Hasegawa’s first-generation 1/72 scale F-15 (No. JS-097) was initially released in the 1970s with the high-viz markings and square wingtips of preproduction YF-15s. Modeling one of these early F-15s largely depends on that kit’s decal sheet with its F-15 and McDonnell Douglas logos. But finding that sheet in usable condition after 40 years is a challenge. Over time I obtained one worth trying — it was just usable, 1. With a viable decal sheet, the game was on. I wanted to pose it in-flight. I would also sand off all the fine raised detail and paint a smooth model. Panels were so invisible on these Eagles it would be inaccurate to cut up the model with lots of lines. The kit itself is basic — maybe too basic in a…

As World War II 60th anniversaries scroll up on the calendar, there has been an explosion of new kits of all kinds — especially ships in 1/350 scale. Such is Trumpeter’s kit of the New Yorkclass battleship USS Texas, BB-35 (No. 05340). Being from the Lone Star State myself, this was a must build. Even though the kit depicts features that date from October 1944, after a refit and subsequent transfer to the Pacific, I decided to depict Texas in the Measure 22 scheme she wore for most of the war while in the Atlantic Fleet. I grabbed an aftermarket set of Master turned-aluminum and brass barrels for New York-class ships, along with a copy of Squadron at Sea: USS Texas, by David Doyle, as my main reference. I knew…

Fans of Gerry Anderson’s only liveaction TV series Space: 1999 have long desired a big-scale kit of the iconic Eagle transporter. The utilitarian craft, clearly inspired by the Apollo program, were arguably one of the shortlived sci-fi show’s highlights. For many years, the only models were MPC’s 1/72 scale kit — re-issued several times by Airfix and AMT/Ertl — and an Imai offering in 1/110 scale. There has been at least one resin 1/48 scale Eagle. The original miniatures were 1/24 scale, chosen for the availability of scale items such as ladders and because it worked well for filming. MPC’s model is half that size, so it scales to 1/48 and is about 22" long. The major components are molded in white and the landing gear and engines' bells are…

Capable of a 15-torpedo broadside using three quintuple torpedo mounts, the Shimakaze could unleash 43.5 tons of torpedoes in a single salvo. The lead ship of a planned 16-ship class of super-destroyers, Shimakaze would be the only one finished; it proved to be too complex for Japan’s industrial capabilities as World War II dragged on. Hasegawa’s limited-edition kit depicts Shimakaze’s final configuration with increased anti-aircraft armament at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. The ship was sunk at the Battle of Ormac Bay a few weeks later. The parts are molded in five colors — gray, red, brown, clear, and brass-plated — with crisp raised and recessed details and few defects. Clear, easy to follow instructions, included references to Hasegawa’s photoetch detail set (No. QG57), which I didn’t…

The latest cinematic chapter in the Batman saga —Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — means a new Batmobile. The Caped Crusader’s military-style Tumbler of the Dark Knight trilogy has been replaced with a lower, sleeker vehicle. It’s barely visible in the rainy gloom of the film, but Moebius released a kit before the movie premiered. Molded in medium gray plastic, the parts show nice recessed panel lines and no flash or awkward ejector-pin marks. Some of the mold seams and edges need cleanup, mostly quick swipes with a sanding stick, to ensure a snug fit. A small clear sprue supplies the wraparound windshield and headlights, and the tires are sturdy-but-soft vinyl with good tread. Interior detail includes bucket seats, controls, and a dashboard. The latter has four circular bezels…

It seems natural that a fantasy-fringed modeling exposition like Wonderfest would have a special competition in the pursuit of greeblies — those spare parts, leftovers, and gizmos that are elevated to other purposes through the imagination of the modeler. Even in early June, the weather in Louisville, Ky., can be steamy — but the skill level of competing modelers also generated considerable heat in the air-conditioned comfort of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. And beyond the hundreds of terrific models on display, a cadre of adventurous builders stood ready to take the “Iron Modeler” challenge. If you’ve seen TV’s Iron Chef, you know the idea — a battle of masters constrained by predetermined ingredients and a 60-minute time limit. In the Iron Modeler competition, teams of three are given four unrelated…

Dan Jayne, a masterful builder whose wizardry amazed and inspired FineScale Modeler readers for more than a decade, has passed away. He was 62. Dan’s September 2004 FSM debut immediately drew an encore in the following issue. The second article was an effort to show more of the construction and better describe the builds — but there was only so much we could do to explain models that few would attempt, let alone equal. Former FSM senior editor Paul Boyer developed those first feature stories. He recalls, “Dan was not one for aftermarket parts. He would load models with scratchbuilt details beyond the usual. It wasn’t just the cockpit or the engine. He went beyond that to the structural elements with eye-popping detail. “It wasn’t just one or two models,…

ICM’s new-tool Ju 88A-5 is a really nice model. For starters, I liked the sturdy cardboard kit box with attached lid, and its separate box top with the art and labeling. The kit comprises six sprues of light gray plastic and one clear sprue. All surface detail is engraved, consistent, and very fine — quality that is as good as it gets for an injection-molded kit. There was no flash on any of the parts. The canopies were crystalclear with raised framing, a nice touch that makes masking a little easier. Cockpit detail was also well done, with pilot and radio-operator seats featuring multiple parts, including seat-adjustment levers. The instrument panel had raised detail for the bezels, with instrument faces supplied as decals. The horizontal stabilizers and rudder are posable…

The MT-LB is one of the more obscure Soviet tracked vehicles but has seen a lot of use. A jack of all trades, the MT-LB has acted as an artillery tractor, armored personnel carrier, and weapons platform to name a few roles. Active in Soviet and Russian service since the 1970s, many MT-LB were supplied to other armies and have seen action in conflicts around the world. Trumpeter’s kit is most welcome as only the second MT-LB in 1/35th scale (SKIF produced the other). The kit is jammed with details, including a complete interior from the transmission at the front to the engine and finishing with the troop compartment in the rear. All of the hatches are separate parts and clear parts provide periscopes, windows, and headlights. There are three…

The Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug (DFS) 230 is another addition to RS Models’ ever-growing 1/72 scale range. This glider was widely used for troop and cargo transport during World War II. The kit contains three plastic bags. One is for two plastic sprues, roughly molded in beige. Although exterior details are sharp and look true to scale — especially the ribbing in the wings — the interior details are murky, with large ejector-pin marks in critical areas. There aren’t many interior plastic parts, though. The control stick, pilot’s seat, floor, and seat cushions are it. The rest — seat belts, instrument panel with Mylar dials, seat mounts and backs — are all beautiful, true-to-scale photo-etch (PE). The clear parts are a kit weakness. The main canopy looks good, but the…

Kinetic F/A-18C tops in detail and options One glance at the airframe parts of the new 1/48 scale Hornet from Kinetic (No. K48031) reveals the quality of the offering. Fine, wellmolded engraved panel lines and rivets comprise the surface detail. The kit features molded controls in the cockpit, gearbay structural detail, a multipart seat, and full-length intakes and exhausts. But what truly makes this kit stand out is the options. They include: extended or stowed speed brake and refueling probe; optional avionics; posable flaps; folded wings; open or closed canopy; and a boarding ladder. Photo-etch provides external details, rearview mirrors, vents, and gear-bay wiring. There's a bunch of ordnance, including AIM-120s, AIM-9s, GBU-12s, CBU-87s, GBU-38s, and AGM-88s. Fuel tanks and targeting pods round out the underwing stores. Cartograf decals provide…

I’ve always thought it ironic that an aircraft emblematic of Hitler’s Nazi regime was instrumental in the survival of the fledgling state of Israel. Within days of Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948, attacks came from Arab neighbors. Desperate for aircraft, the Israelis defied an arms embargo and negotiated with the Czech government to buy the Jumo-powered version of the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Avia S-199. The first machines arrived on May 20, 1948, and nine days later Israel’s new fighter arm launched four of these aircraft to bomb and strafe an Egyptian armored column that was advancing on Tel Aviv. Causing little actual damage, this attack nevertheless halted the Arab advance, allowing Israeli ground forces vital time to reorganize and go on the offensive, keeping Tel Aviv from being…

Builders of tanks and other military vehicles gathered in Sumter, S.C., in April for the annual contest and international convention of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society. To mark the centennial of the first tanks in combat, the contest’s theme was “The Great War.” But there was plenty to see beside World War I, including figures, trucks and even sci-fi. FSM editors Mark Savage and Aaron Skinner traveled to Sumter, ate barbeque and seafood, and shot a lot of models. Here are a few of the hundreds that were on display. ▲ TED OKTABETZ BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA To build a 1/35 scale Israeli Magach 6B, Ted mounted an A.E.F. Designs turret on Esci’s M60 hull; Friulmodel tracks and Legend details finished the build. He painted the model with Tamiya acrylics…

Addressing the widespread problem of mines in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States found a solution with the South African-built Husky Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD). The Husky can mark mines in a 3-meter path for following vehicles to remove. Its modular design allows the vehicle to be rapidly repaired in the field, and, if a mine is detonated by the Husky, high ground clearance and a V-shaped hull that deflects the force of a blast away from it gives the driver a better chance of surviving. AFV Club’s Husky MK.III is a multimedia affair with 313 parts in dark yellow plastic, 13 clear parts for lights and windows, a small photo-etch (PE) fret, and vinyl electric cables and tires. The level of detail is excellent, with even the smallest…

The Beechcraft Texan II was derived from the Pilatus PC-9 and won the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) competition in the 1990s. It is the current basic trainer for the U.S. Air Force, replacing the Cessna T-37B, and the primary trainer for the U.S. Navy, replacing the Beechcraft T-34C Turbo Mentor. It also serves several air arms around the world in trainer and light-attack roles. IsraCast’s resin kit provides a one-piece fuselage with cockpit floors, bulkheads, and consoles inside, and a one-piece wing with wheel wells molded in. Exterior detail is fine, but with soft recessed lines. Separate fuselage nose, fin, horizontal stabilizers, ejection seats, main wheels, choice of two different instrument panels and coamings, propeller spinner and blades, and other small parts are also cast in resin. The…