Tabla de contenidos para October 2017 en FineScale Modeler

The P-61 Black Widow has fascinated me since my days as a kid, hearing my grandmother tell stories about working in the Northrop assembly plant building them during World War II — a real-life “Rosie the Riveter.” There’s also no denying the appeal of the distinctive twin-tail design. The Great Wall Hobby (GWH) 1/48 scale kit offered the chance to do it in style. I opted for the special release of the kit (No. S4802), since it includes some extra goodies not in the standard kit. The kit supplies Eduard photo-etch (PE) detail sets (Nos. 49703 and FE704) to dress up the interior, and the Eduard Brassin resin wheels set (No. 648057). All paints used are Testors Model Master enamels unless otherwise noted. Detailing the inside Starting with the crew’s…

In 1949, the U.S. Navy awarded McDonnell Aircraft Corp. a contract to produce a carrier-based, jet-powered, allweather interceptor designed to succeed the F2H Banshee. The F3H was powered by a Westinghouse J40 engine, but disappointing performance led to a redesign featuring a J71 engine. Still, the subsonic fighter fell short of expectations. It was eventually supplanted by the F-4 Phantom. Describing how he confronted his own Demon, modeler John Fox wrote, “When a client in the Netherlands contracted me to model an F3H-2 Demon, I found I would be building AZ Model’s 1/48 scale kit (No. 4816, a rebox of the Grand Phoenix kit). For me, it was a tale of two builds: injectionmolded plastic and resin details. My client wanted to see his Demon with open access panels and…

G reat models often exhibit great skills. Not many can scratchbuild a .50-caliber ammo belt in 1/48 scale and make it look good. But, more often, great models are based on a consistent application of good, basic techniques easily within reach of beginners and intermediates as well. And that begins with taking time to prepare each part: removing flash (excess plastic) and mold seams, filling ejector-pin marks, smoothing rough edges, and making sure the part is clean before you attach it so glue and paint adhere as they should. So, to build better models, the best place to begin — as usual, for almost everything — is at the beginning. Start by washing all the parts in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let them air-dry. Now, let’s prep those…

Designed to replace the MiG-25, the MiG-31 supersonic interceptor can reach speeds of more than 1,800 mph. Further developments in avionics and weapons are found in the B and multirole BM versions. Trumpeter’s beautiful new-tool Foxhound comes in a large box packed to the brim with 16 gray plastic sprues; the parts feature fine recessed and raised surface detail and no flash. The crystal-clear canopies are bagged separately and protectively wrapped in foam. Stores include drop tanks and R-33, R-40T, R-40R, R-77, and R-73E missiles. Two decal sheets provide markings for two aircraft with a choice of numbers; stencils for the airframe and weapons are included. The ejection seats feature molded harnesses, but the soft details are difficult to paint. On the other hand, side consoles and instrument panels have…

3,268 Number of Vampires built between 1946 and 1979. T he Vampire was de Havilland’s first jet aircraft and the second jet to enter service with the Royal Air Force in 1944, after the Gloster Meteor. Following World War II, it replaced many piston-engine fighters and was in front-line service until 1953. So successful was the design that Vampires remained with the RAF until 1955 and were exported to more than 30 countries. The Swedish air force gave the two-seat trainer the designation J 28C. When I found Xtradecal had markings for two-seat Swedish Vampires, I jumped at the chance to build Airfix’s 1/72 scale Vampire T.11 and dress it in standard camouflage of olive green over gray. I left the canopy open and filled the cockpit with extra detail.…

Capable of firing salvos of 12 rockets, the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System entered U.S. service in the early 1980s. Using shoot-and scoot tactics, the vehicle can relocate before the enemy can plot counterbattery fire. Several NATO nations acquired and eventually built the M270 under license. Trumpeter’s first M270 represents the German version known as the Mittlere Artillerie Raketen System (MARS). Molded in light gray plastic, the kit features a detailed cab and rocket pod, although much of the latter can’t be seen on the finished model. Besides windows, the clear sprue holds lights and rearview mirrors. A small photo-etch (PE) fret provides screens for the engine compartment, and small parts for the cab and rocket pod. All those details, and individual-link tracks with separate guide horns, pushes the parts…

Despite being the mount of many Allied aces and a cartoon dog, World War I’s Sopwith Camel has not been well served in 1/32 scale. The only kits until now have been based on Hobbycraft tools, the newest of which is at least 12 years old. Wingnut Wings ends that drought in style with the release of an all-new Camel, in not one but six kits, including a “Duellist” pairing with its out-of-production LVG C.VI. Each kit includes all the optional parts for the entire series, with differences accounted for by varying engine sprues included in the different kits. This review covers Clerget-powered variants with 130 horespower and 140 horsepower versions, depending on optional parts. Wingnut Wing’s typical attention to detail and clever design show up everywhere. Modelers with limited…

One of the most famous and easily recognizable aircraft of World War II, the Stuka needs no introduction. The Luftwaffe dive-bomber has a long history with Airfix, which released its first 1/72 scale Ju 87 in 1957. This new-tool kit replaces a 1/48 scale offering first released in 1981. It has all the features that make Airfix’s new kits so great good fits, crisp details, and interesting building options, while keeping the parts count at a relatively low 158. All of that makes Airfix’s Stuka ideal for a quick build or a novice modeler. As with most aircraft, construction begins in the cockpit. But there’s a twist: The entire assembly, including floor, seats, controls, bulkheads and walls, goes into the sturdy wing spar and onto the center lower wing. Then,…

Crew: John painted Alpine Miniatures Vietnam War tankers with artist’s oils. “The sculpting is excellent on these figures,” he says. Weathering: After flowing washes of dark brown artist’s oil thinned with mineral spirits into recesses and around detail, John drybrushed highlights with a brighter shade of the camouflage. Mig Productions pigments added layers of Vietnam’s characteristic red dust. Decals: The kit decals provided all of the Patton’s markings, including the face. John used Solvaset to settle them over the curves and cast texture. Groundwork: John spread a thin layer of DAP Presto Patch over a wooden plaque and sprinkled on real dirt for texture. After spraying it with terracotta-colored paint, he highlighted the road with Mig Productions pigments. Woodland static grass added foliage to the verges. The round extension at…

A mong the revolutionary changes to the scale modeling hobby in recent years is the rise of forums and knowledge-exchange centers on the internet. My favorite — the one I consider my cyber-modeling “home” — is the forum on www.FineScale.com. Besides the multitude of old and new techniques, hints, tips, and reports of kit errors and strengths, the forums provide social grist for modelers who may have otherwise felt isolated at their workbench. Now, friendships are made, opinions exchanged, and off-topic subjects generate a sense of community among fellow hobbyists. One popular and frequent topic is the opinion of spouses or significant others regarding the hobby. Let’s admit it — modeling is usually a solitary pursuit. Some partners actively support and encourage modelers’ efforts; others grant the time grudgingly or,…

Premiering in 1975, Space: 1999 was a live-action drama produced by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, a couple best-known for a string of successful science-fiction marionette TV shows like Stingray, Thunderbirds, and Captain Scarlet. Running just two seasons, Space: 1999 centered on the experiences of the 300-strong crew of Moonbase Alpha hurtling across the universe after the moon was ejected from Earth’s orbit by the explosion of nuclear waste on the opposite side of the satellite. Dodgy concept notwithstanding, the show resonated with audiences and became a cult hit. High production values more at home on the big screen helped drive the fandom. The show’s technology and designs seemed grounded in reality. Epitomizing those aesthetics was what many fans consider the real star of the show: the Eagle Transporter. The bug-shaped…

I nspired by the British tank Independent, the Soviet T-35 was the only five-turret tank ever mass-produced — and the largest tank the USSR ever built. It weighed 45 tons, carried a crew of 11, and was as unwieldy and awkward in the field as it was impressive on parade. The T-35 was developed in the early 1930s and produced from 1933-39, seeing some fighting early in World War II, reportedly including the battle for Moscow. But the Bolshevik Factory’s behemoth was ill suited to fight the better tanks of its day. A later model, “T-35A 1939,” had conical turrets and other noticeable differences, as well as thicker armor, but the tank remained slow (30 kmph/19 mph) and its armament ineffective. No matter: Most of the 63 tanks produced (including…

The latest in Academy’s line of 1/72 scale press-fit aircraft kits is the ground-attack version of the vaunted Eagle — the F-15E. Unlike previous kits with this technology, this one is labeled “Modelers Edition” on the box, not “MCP” (MultiColored Plastic), and it doesn’t include optional sticker markings. The Strike Eagle is molded in dark gray plastic, very close to the gunship gray found on the actual aircraft. The canopy, HUD glass, and Sniper pod lens are molded clear. This release comes with outstanding Cartograf decals for three aircraft from the 4th Fighter Wing. The parts show excellent subtle recessed panel lines and rivets. Features include full-length intake trunks, a well-detailed cockpit, separate speed brake, a pair of drop tanks, two each AIM-9X Sidewinders and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, and 14…