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Messerschmitt detail Sets Part 2 Brassin 1:32 With Eduard having produced a number of etched sets for the Revell 1:32 Me-109G6 it looks like their sister company are now getting more involved, other than just releasing wheel sets as reviewed HERE. The three new sets we have been kindly provided with here offer the modeller to add even more detail to the Revell kit and at the same time providing them with an alternative to other manufacturers. Cockpit Set (632022) Arriving in a top opening cardboard box, inside of which are a large number of parts, both resin and etched brass, surrounded by foam padding for complete protection. The larger than normal instruction sheet provides some of the clearest diagrams I’ve seen from Eduard/Brassin which will help greatly in getting the most out of this set. There are 25 resin parts in a mixture of medium and dark greys, plus two clear resin parts, two sheets of etched brass, one pre-painted and a small acetate sheet for the gun sight glass. The detail on the resin parts is nice and sharp, particularly on the side walls. The cockpit is made up of the cockpit floor including the lower section of the rear bulkhead, two side walls, front bulkhead, seat bucket, joystick, footrests, a choice of central cannon breach covers, upper rear bulkhead, two styles of gunsight mount, rudder pedal uprights and oxygen regulator. There is also a choice of two instrument panels, on for use with the etched parts and one on which you could use instrument dial decals, such as those from Airscale. The resin details are enhanced with the addition of the etched parts, and these include the trim wheels along with the chain drives, gunsight glass mounts, rudder pedals with foot straps, joystick enhancements, various rods and brackets for both side panels, as well as the canopy opening mechanism on the starboard panel. The pre-painted seat belts are quite complex, but with care and attention will build into a pretty amazing representation of the real things. Also on the painted sheet are the various layers that go to make up the detailed instrument panel. The plain etched sheet also provides optional panels for use on either the early or late versions of the G6. Even the canopy receives addition detail in the form of the armoured glass, (clear resin), and internal structure for the opening section, not to mention the support strut to keep this section open, plus vents and grab handles on the windscreen section. Undercarriage Legs (632 021) This set is part of Brassins increasing range of undercarriage legs produced in bronze. Not only is the detail really very good, but using this material means the legs won’t begin to buckle, particularly under the weight of all the resin and etch that is now on offer for the kit. They have been designed to fit into the kit undercarriage recesses, so no further modification is required. The set also includes a pair of new undercarriage doors made out of resin. The doors are only lightly affixed to the casting blocks, so cleaning up after removal should be a doddle. Exhaust set (632 020) This isn’t quite as simple a set as it first looks. Whilst the rows of exhaust stubs are moulded in one piece and are a simple slot in replacement for the kit parts, before the etched parts can be used the kit needs to be modified. The upper and lower vanes need to be carefully cut away from the fairings and also a small section of the fairing lip on the fuselage parts. The etched vanes can then be glued into position, followed by the resin exhaust. Conclusion Just when you thought that there couldn’t be anything else to be added to the Revel Me109, Brassin come along and blow that thought away with these sets. The cockpit set is wonderful and will really stand out with some careful detail painting and weathering, the exhaust set is very nice and will add some finesse to the nose are, but it’s the bronze undercarriage legs that really do it for me as they are not only strong, but look great. They probably won’t be cheap, but when you’ve put so much effort in building your ultimate Me109, it deserves to be standing on these superb legs, particularly when matched with the corresponding Brassin wheels. Review sample courtesy of

Agusta/Westland Lynx HAS-3 1:32 Etched sets With the release of the Revell 1:32 Lynx HAS-3 it was only a matter of time before Eduard released the relevant etched sets for it. The three main sets and one zoom set, come in the standard poly sleeves, and, unfortunately the rather disappointing instructions. Still the etched parts are still superbly produced and provide all that the modeller could possibly want to add to their build, and probably some that they didn’t know they wanted. Whilst the majority of the parts are the same as on their earlier releases for the Mk88 Lynx, there are enough type specific items on the sheets to make them not quite transferable. Lynx HAS-2 Exterior Set – 32347, contains new grilles for the rotor head gear box fairing, panel surrounds, door window frames and handles for the cabin sliding doors, handles for the cockpit doors, and a new Doppler panel. The nose wheel bay benefits from having new sidewalls and bulkheads, while the nosewheel oleo is fitted with hydraulic lines and connecting rods. The cabin machine gun, if fitted is kitted out with new front and rear sights, new barrel which will need to be carefully rolled to shape and a new ammunition box cradle. The main wheels are fitted with new brake discs, scissor links and hydraulic pipework. There are also new grilles for the tail cone and vertical tail, hydraulic lines and root fittings for the main and tail rotors, lifting eye for the rotor head, sensor faces, windscreen wipers and the grille in front of the windscreen. The torpedoes receive new parts for both the tail and nose sections. Lynx Mk88 Seat Belts – 32763. As this sets name suggests it provides the modeller with a full set of seat belts for all the seats in the kit. The belts and fitting are pre painted, a different colour to the earlier release, and do really look the part, although I’m sure a bit of dirt will make them look even more realistic. In addition to the seat belts the set also includes the seat frame and other fittings for each of the pilots seats. These are not pre-painted, but do provide that bit of extra detail that’s need in this scale. Lynx Mk88 Interior – 32765. This set is slightly different in that one of the two sheets of etched brass is not only pre-painted, but self adhesive. The parts include the instrument panel with a backing with the instrument painted on. At least in this set the instrument is completely different to the earlier release, showing the larger panel of this mark. When joined, but before fitting to the kit, it might be an idea to add a drop of Klear or Aqua gloss to each instrument to depict the glass face. Also included on the self adhesive sheet are the upper and central consoles, warning light bar, circuit breakers, radar screen, and auxiliary flight instruments for the cockpit and the black and yellow warning strip for around the cabin door window frames, placards and emergency release handle, also in black and yellow. The larger unpainted sheet contains parts to enhance the actual frames for the cockpit bulkhead and cabin doors, cockpit centre console sides, instrument panel coaming, cabin door cards, and other detail parts for both the cabin and the cockpit including such as the cyclic and collective control sticks, upper console and upper glass frame. Lynx Mk88 Interior Zoom Set – 33120. This is the much simplified set for those modeller who don’t want to add too much to their model, but just add that little extra detail to enhance the completed model. The set includes just one sheet contains all the parts that are on the pre-painted, self adhesive sheet mentioned above. Conclusion As with the earlier Mk88 kit, the Revell Lynx HAS-3 is a great kit, which can still be greatly enhanced with the addition of some or all of these sets are certain items that are lacking, due mainly to the limitations of the injection moulding process. As with these types of aftermarket sets some parts are easier to add than others, but with patience and a steady hand a superb model can be built. Review sample courtesy of Review sample courtesy of

F4U-1 Corsair Wheels 1:32 Brassin To replace the rubber tyres in the Tamiya Corsair kit, Eduard/Brassin have released this set of resin parts. The parts come in the standard blister pack with two layers of foam protecting them. On opening the quality of parts really stands out. The wheels, with their distinctive treads, are beautifully moulded with great depth of the internal vanes. The holes between the vanes will need to be carefully cleaned up as there is a thin veil of resin flash over them. Clean up of the wheels should be quick and easy as the webs holding them to the moulding blocks are very thin. Any excess left after removal will only require a quick swipe of a sanding stick to tidy up. Also included in the set are the inner hubs, with brake details and attachment holes that match the kit axles. The outer hubs with their spokes will also need to be carefully cleaned up as the triangular holes between the spokes are also flashed over, but the flash is quite a bit thicker than on the wheels. This looks like it will be quite a tricky job, but will be worth it in the end. Fortunately it will be easier to paint the wheels as there is nice mask sheet included in the pack. Conclusion You can’t really go wrong with Brassin and this set goes a long way to prove it. It’s not perfect mind, as the flashed over holes in the wheels and especially the outer hubs, really shouldn’t be there with modern tooling, even in resin. Other than that I can happily recommend them. Review sample courtesy of

North American T-6 Texan 1:32 KittyHawk History The Texan originated from the North American NA-16 prototype (first flown on April 1, 1935) which, modified as the NA-26, was submitted as an entry for a USAAC "Basic Combat" aircraft competition in March, 1937. The first model went into production and 180 were supplied to the USAAC as the BC-1 and 400 to the RAF as the Harvard I. The US Navy received 16 modified aircraft, designated the SNJ-1, and a further 61 as the SNJ-2 with a different engine. The BC-1 was the production version of the NA-26 prototype, with retractable tailwheel landing gear and the provision for armament, a two-way radio, and the 550 hp (410 kW) R-1340-47 engine as standard equipment. Production versions included the BC-1 (Model NA-36) with only minor modifications (177 built), of which 30 were modified as BC-1I instrument trainers; the BC-1A (NA-55) with airframe revisions (92 built); and a single BC-1B with a modified wing center-section. Three BC-2 aircraft were built before the shift to the "advanced trainer" designation, AT-6, which was equivalent to the BC-1A. The differences between the AT-6 and the BC-1 were new outer wing panels with a swept forward trailing edge, squared-off wingtips and a triangular rudder, producing the canonical Texan silhouette. After a change to the rear of the canopy, the AT-6 was designated the Harvard II for RAF/RCAF orders and 1,173 were supplied by purchase or Lend Lease, mostly operating in Canada as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The next variant, the AT-6A, was based on the NA-77 design and was powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1340-49 Wasp radial engine. The USAAF received 1,549 and the US Navy 270 (as the SNJ-3). The AT-6B was built for gunnery training and could mount a .30 in machine gun on the forward fuselage. It used the R-1340-AN-1 engine, which was to become the standard for the remaining T-6 production. Canada's Noorduyn Aviation built an R-1340-AN-1-powered version of the AT-6A, which was supplied to the USAAF as the AT-16 (1,500 aircraft) and the RAF/RCAF as the Harvard IIB (2,485 aircraft), some of which also served with the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Canadian Navy. The NA-88 design resulted in 2,970 AT-6C Texans and 2,400 as the SNJ-4. The RAF received 726 of the AT-6C as the Harvard IIA. Modifications to the electrical system produced the AT-6D (3,713 produced) and SNJ-5 (1,357 produced). The AT-6D, redesignated the Harvard III, was supplied to the RAF (351 aircraft) and Fleet Air Arm (564 aircraft). The AT-6G (SNJ-5) involved major advancements including a full-time hydraulic system and a steerable tailwheel and persisted into the 1950s as the USAF advanced trainer. Subsequently the NA-121 design with a completely clear rearmost section on the canopy, gave rise to 25 AT-6F Texans for the USAAF and 931, as the SNJ-6 for the US Navy. The ultimate version, the Harvard 4, was produced by Canada Car and Foundry during the 1950s, and supplied to the RCAF, USAF and Bundeswehr. A total of 15,495 T-6s of all variants were built, quite a few of which are still used as warbirds, demonstrations, by flight experience companies, plus used as film extras and stars. The Model This is a wholly new tooling from KittyHawk it’s certainly great to see it being released in 1:32 scale, being their first in this scale. Arriving in a very attractively designed box, with one an artists representation the aircraft in flight over a somewhat rocky area of the US. On each side are colour profiles of four of the eight colour schemes included in the kit. The box is quite deep and it’s easy to see why, as on opening it is full of styrene. The kit is contained on 6 large sprues of bluey grey styrene, with one of clear styrene and a small etched brass sheet for the seat belts. The main sprues, some of which are folded over from the centre, one of KittyHawks little idiosyncrasies, and need to snapped apart before inspecting the parts. Detail looks very refined, with engraved panel lines and raised areas where required. The styrene feels quite soft so take care when removing from the sprues. There is no sign of flash or moulding pips, but there are a number of parts which have quite large injection towers, particularly the inside of the engine cylinder parts, which will need to be carefully removed before assembling. The clear parts are very well protected from damage by being in their own separate cardboard box. The build begins with the construction of the complex looking cockpit. The seat pans are attached to the supports and each fitted with a grab handle and seat a lowering/raising bar. The cockpit floor looks like it’s meant to represent the upperside of the centre wing, but isn’t curved enough as in the real thing there is no floor for the front pilot, only the for the rear. Still once all the parts are added and the completed assembly fitted to the fuselage I doubt much of it will be seen. There is a choice of joystick styles, depending on the variant being built and these are attached to the cockpit floor, along with a pair of fott runners and a foot rest for the front pilot. The nicely moulded tubular cockpit structure is fitted out with throttle quadrants, a fire extinguisher and radio box, whilst the two rudder pedal pairs are attached to their connecting rods. The instrument panel is made up of upper and lower sections onto which the decals are positioned and a back piece, with the instrument backs moulded into it, is attached to the rear of the upper panel. The floor, tubular sides, front instrument panel and rudder pedal assembly are then assembled. The rear bulkhead is the, made up of the bulkhead, rear decking and semi circular support, is attached to the rear of the cockpit whilst the single piece front bulkhead is, naturally, fitted to the front of the cockpit. A shelf, fitted with two trim wheels, control levers and other items is fitted to the port side of the cockpit from the outside. The rear cockpit instrument panel is then fitted along with its associated coaming whilst the two piece starboard console for the front cockpit is also attached. There are two black boxes fitted to the rear decking, whilst a separate shelf is fitted to the rear bulkhead below it. A two piece rollover bar is attached between the cockpits and three internal structure parts are fitted to the rear deck. To the front bulkhead there is another control box and the two piece oil tank attached. Moving onto the engine, the first parts to be attached are the two cylinder bank halves, (once the injection posts have been removed). The cylinders are then attached to a backing plate and the valve rods are fitted to the front face, along with the magneto to the gearbox cover.. There is an option of having either a short exhaust or a long one, depending on the variant being modelled, each being in two parts, with the completed exhaust then fitted to the collector ring. This assembly is then attached to the cooling gill part along with the intake manifold and the engine fitted to the exhaust and intake manifolds. To the rear of the engine a multi part accessory gearbox is fitted as is an five piece air intake and filter. Four V shaped engine bearers are then fitted to the rear of the engine, followed by three plates that fit onto the outside strut of each bearer. The whole engine assembly is then attached to the front of the cockpit assembly and everything is sandwiched between the two fuselage halves, closing it all up. Once again depending on the option being modelled there are different parts for the front upper fuselage one with a slightly different shape for the SNJ, and the rear of the cockpit glazing, either framed or unframed. The rear upper fuselage is then fitted, as is the two piece rudder, starboard side air filter intake and two foot rests. The horizontal stabilisers are each made up of an upper and lower half and fitted with a single piece elevator. The completed parts are then attached to the rear fuselage. There doesn’t appear to be an option to have the engine cowling open so the four parts have to be glued together and slipped over the engine. The windscreen is now fitted and the option of two types of radio mast, or a DF loop fairing, large blade fairing and even what looks like a GPS fairing, again depending on which scheme the modeller is building. The propeller is made up of the two blades, four piece pitch mechanism and boss. Onto this there is a choice of either a two piece or a single piece spinner, should the option require them. The propeller can then be fitted as can the three piece cockpit canopy. The wheels are assembled from a single piece oleo/axle, onto which the two parts of the scissor link is attached. The tyres come in two halves with separate inner and outer hubs. With the main wheels done, it’s on to the wing centre section. Into the single piece lower part two pieces are added that represent the front spar that can be seen through the wheel wells. These have very prominent injection towers that need to be removed before fitting, fortunately though they are the rear face so any damage won’t be seen. With these fitted the two upper wing panels can be attached and, according to the instructions the centre flap, wheel assemblies and gear bay doors are also fitted at this time, but it may be prudent to leave until later. The outer wings, each of upper and lower halves and landing light innards which, when assembled, can be fitted out with the clear landing and navigation light glass parts, pitot probe, (on the port wing), ailerons, with mass balances and flaps.The outer wings are then attached to the centre section and the whole thing fitted to the fuselage. Finally the under nose air intake and the three piece tail wheel assembly are fitted completing the main build. Since these aircraft were used for weapon training etc, the kit comes with a variety of underwing stores, these include:- Six off T-10 Rockets and their launch rails Two off Matra 122 rocket launchers Four off 250kg Bombs Two off twin 7.7mm machine gun pods Two off 20 gallon drop tanks. Decals There are two large sheets of decals and one small, almost addendum style sheet, with markings for the following options, which I believe are all preserved machines:- USAF aircraft. Ser.No.N9623C, TA-349 “Deb”, in a very flash red white and blue scheme over natural metal. USN aircraft. Ser.No.93449, in a colourful yellow wing, medium sea grey fuselage scheme. USMC aircraft. Ser.No.90917 in overall silver scheme with yellow nose and green stripes on the wings and rear fuselage. Canadian Air Force aircraft. Ser.No. CF-UUU in overall trainer yellow with a blue nose. German Air Force aircraft. I.D. number BF + 056, in overall trainer yellow with green nose including a chequer board panel on either side. Italian Air Force aircraft. Ser.No. MM-54101 in overqall silver with yellow outer wings/tail and extreme nose of cowling. South African Air Force aircraft. In overall silver fuselage, with orange panels on the wings, tialplane and cowling plus medium sea grey panels on the upper wings. Royal Air Force aircraft. Ser.No. FT239 in brown and mid stone over light aircraft blue camouflage scheme. The decals look very well printed, with good opacity and density, in register and without too much carrier film, with the notable exception of the large USAF titles. There are a complete set of stencils for one aircraft included. Conclusion This is a great looking kit, especially considering it is Kitty Hawks first foray into 1:32 scale. The details on the parts are sharp and there is a nice finesse to them, especially the detail cockpit interior. With so many colour schemes offered, it will be difficult to choose which one to do and it’s good to see that it’s not just the schemes that change, with the different parts included; it is possible to represent each aircraft accurately as far as I can tell. There have been a number of grumbles about the cockpit floor, which, whilst it’s not accurate, it is a reasonable compromise to aid in making the kit easier to produce and perhaps build. You won’t see much of it anyway, unless the modeller wishes to de-skin the fuselage, in which case they will have the skills to reproduce the upper wing centre section. For those that want a good sized Texan/Harvard/SNJ in their collection I can highly recommend this kit. Review sample courtesy of and available soon from major hobby shops

SUU-21 Bomb Dispenser Videoaviation 1:32 The latest release from Videoaviation.com is this, well, what I can only call it a model for that is what is in its own right, of a SUU-21 Bomb Dispenser. Inside the sturdy cardboard box are two poly zip lock bags of creamy beige resin parts, a small decal sheet and the instruction sheet. The resin is beautifully rendered, with no signs of bubbles or other flaws. The casting blocks don’t look to difficult to remove, but it will take a razor saw to do the best job on the larger parts. The kit includes the following resin parts:- Main bomb container Nose cone Tail Cone Closed off bomb bay parts A pair of bomb lugs, for the main container 6 x BDU 48 bomblets 6 x Mk75 bomblets 2 x display stands. The details on the main container are very finely done with recessed panel lines and screw heads and the resin is wonderfully smooth. Construction is easy once the parts have been removed from the moulding blocks and cleaned up. The nose and tail cones are fitted to the central container part followed either by the closed door parts or the bomb bay roof and 6 of either type of bomblet. Job done bar the painting, (which is white overall and either blue or possibly yellow bomblets) and the decaling which consists of the container placards and six RBF flags which only need to be added if the bomblets are fitted. The instructions are very clear and easy to read, but it would have been nice it parts were actually named as well as numbered. Conclusion This is a very nice addition to the Videoaviation product range and will add something different to a completed model. With the well moulded, flawless resin it should go together fairly easily. All the modeller has to do is check their references and see if the model they are building needs one or two SUU-21s. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

1:32 Hawk T-1 lighting kit Tirydium Models Following on from his fibre optic lighting sets for sci-fi subjects HERE, Tirydium Models has released this set for the Revell 1:32 BAe Hawk T-1. Packaged in a clear zip lock bag the set comes complete with all you need to light the following: Nose Light (White LED) Wing Tip Warning lights, (White LED’s with 2 x 0.75 fibre guides) Top Strobe Light, (Red LED with 1 x 1.0mm fibre guide) Underside Strobe Light, (Red LED with 1 x 1.0mm fibre guide) There is also a controller chip on a board for the flashing strobe lights. Everything comes pre assembled, so all the modeller has to do is fit the parts into the model as it’s being built. Due to the construction of the kit slots will need to be filed out along the wing for the fibres to fit without being pinched and the wing tip lights will require their lugs cutting off and a small hole drilled into them. The instructions are very clear and easy to read and come with a selection of colour photographs showing where and how the LED’s and fibres are to be installed, along with written instructions explaining what needs to be done. The kit is well made with all LED/Fibre optic joints well taped up, there may be a slight excess of fibre for the lights, but this can easy be cut to size. Conclusion This is a very nice and well made set-up for those who either don’t feel competent or, like me, a little too lazy to fit lighting systems to their models even though they would like to. With this kit, aided by the clear instructions, there is now no excuse. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Kit: Hasegawa 1:32 ‘Nowotny’ edition. Paint: All Tamiya & Lifecolour acrylics. MIG weathering pigments (wheels & tyres). Decals: Eagle Cals, MicroScale & kit. Extras: Eduard ‘Zoom’ set. Cut & dropped elevators. Cut & repositioned tail wheel & rudder. Brake lines from various gauges of fuse wire. Master MG17 barrels (not in photo). Focke-Wulf Fw190A-5 5 Staffel I/JG54 Operation ‘Zitadelle’ Summer 1943 ….and we’re done. Thoroughly enjoyed this project. Kit went together with the minimum of fuss. Camouflage came-out exactly as it looked in my head before I began, something that doesn’t happen too often. Especially happy with the weathering on the underside and the way the MIG pigments settled in to the main wheels & tyres giving a dry/dusty ‘feel’. Built for the ‘Battle of Kursk’ Campaign/Group Build on www.modelersalliance.com . As ever happy to take any questions, criticism and comments. Thanks for taking the time to look, I’m off now to start decaling my TF-104…. That’s going to keep me busy for a while !! Ian

I bought this kit a while back when i saw it in the LHS for much lower than retail because it had ever so slight box damage. Now that I have finished off most everything else on my bench, I thought that i could get a start on it. I didnt realize until I opened up the box just how big it really was. The fuselage halves are each bigger than any model i've ever built. This could be an interesting introduction th 1:32 scale modeling... I plan on doing it copletely OOB with the scheme on the front of the box. The first update will be coming soon.

Salmson 2-A2/Otsu 1 1:32 Wingnut Wings The newest release from Wingnut Wings covers the French Salmson 2-A2 and is available in two different boxings. The USAS version offers five different finishing options for machines in service with the United States Air Service Army, whilst the version received here for review offers four French and one Japanese option. The Salmson Company started off building Automobiles, and then aero engines, before progressing to designing their own aircraft, initially without much success. In 1916 they began work on a design to replace the Sopwith 1 ½ Strutters that they were then licence building, producing an aircraft that was both larger and heavier, but which incorporated interesting features such as a radial engine (in an age of rotary and in-line engines) and self-sealing fuel tanks. The initial Salmson A was not a success, but was developed into the 2-A2 utilising Salmsons own 9z water cooled radial engine of 260hp. This gave it a useful ceiling of 19,000 ft, range of 300 miles and top speed of 116 mph. Entering service in October 1917 with the French Air Force, it was well received and went on to equip 52 Escadrilles and achieved a production run of 3250 machines. Of these 705 were supplied to the USAS who also found it to be a useful and reliable workhorse, no doubt appreciating its self sealing fuel tanks in an era when fire was a very real and deadly risk. Built under licence in Japan as the Otsu 1 reconnaissance aircraft some 600 further examples were produced up until 1927, and remained in service until 1933. Other post war users of Salmson built machines were Czechoslovakia, both sides in the Russian Civil War, Poland, Belgium, Peru and Spain. The kit. Presented in Wingnut Wings familiar style with beautiful artwork in the silver edged box, the Instructions, decals, and all sprues are sealed in their own individual plastic bags. As ever, the instruction manual is in a class of its own that no other manufacturer has yet bettered, never mind equalled. Filled with CAD drawings showing the assembly sequences, further illustrated with drawings of completed assemblies, and supplemented by period photographs of both overall and detailed areas, it goes far beyond just showing you how to assemble your kit. Finished off with full colour profiles by Ronnie Bar, there are the usual five colour schemes to choose from, always difficult because they are all so appealing. Sprue A. This contains most of the detail items, many of which are for the cockpit interior. There is no flash or any sink marks to be found, and ejector pin marks are pretty much on non visible surfaces. The moulding technology is fantastic, the fuselage side frames being an example. The cabane struts will not only be as strong as possible, but also they are pre-lined up for you. Sprue B. The upper and lower wing panels featuring nicely done rib tapes and sharp trailing edges. As with all Wingnuts kits the strut mounting sockets are surrounded with pre made holes to anchor the rigging into. Depending upon your method of rigging these can be used as is or further reamed out with a micro drill. Sprue C. The smallest one, containing the clear parts. Sprue D. Two of these are provided to cover all the parts such as wheels and struts that need duplicating. Fine moulding is in evidence on the Lewis guns and lettering on the tyre sidewalls. Sprue E. The 9z radial engine. I always start my Wingnuts builds with the engine as they make up into beautiful little models in their own right. This one looks like it will be even nicer than most as it has lots of contrasting metal colours on it, including lovely copper jackets around the cylinders. Sprue F. This holds the fuselage and empennage mouldings. The drum tight fabric effect on the fuselage is very realistic, although hard to capture in a photograph. Sprue G. Larger detail items are on here, the cockpit floor being another example of the standard of moulding achieved by Wingnut Wings. Even more amazing are the sets of louvered panels. Look at them at the right angle and it clear to see that they actually are louvered! Photo Etch. Useful items are supplied here, such as the seatbelts, gun ring mounts, gun sights etc. All the items that would be too fine to do in plastic. Decals. Produced by Cartograf, the sheet almost equals the length and width of the box. Each design is sharply printed on minimal carrier film, in register, and with accurate looking colours. A common area provides all the fine detail such as the instrument faces, stencils and strut bindings. And being Cartograf gives the assurance that they will perform excellently when the time comes to apply them to the finished model. Finishing Options. A) Unknown serial, Col. Hamonic?, SAL 122, late 1917 to early 1918. 'B) 251, 4, SAL 16, 1918. C) 381, 4, SAL 28, 1918. (This possibly could be 581 rather than 381. Wingnut Wings point this out and give you the option of both on the decal sheet. Attention to detail!) D) 602 Le Gone, SAL 61, late 1918 to February 1919. E) Type Otsu Model 1 Reconnaissance Aircraft 1123, mid to late 1920s. Conclusion. The Salmson 2-A2 is probably less well known to British modellers although still an attractive subject, It will have extra appeal to our French and American friends due to its widespread use with their Air Forces. Other First World War enthusiasts will want one because of all the fabulous colour schemes that will be possible, particularly when aftermarket decals are available. And for those who like their 1:32nd Zeros, Hayates, Raidens, Shindens, and Claudes, how about an Otsu 1 to park alongside them? Wingnut Wings releases never fail to delight as they are so beautifully done, with obvious care and attention to detail from the team who produce them. You start to get your moneys worth from first opening the box, there are hours of pleasure to be had admiring the mouldings and working out the options to fit, and colour scheme to finish it in. Another flawless winner from Wingnut Wings. Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Bell X-1 Decals and Stencils 1:32 MH Models Now, MH Models are new to this reviewer and I was passed this set from another BM member who received them from the company. They appear to be a Czech form of Local Model Shop that has decided to produce their own decals and masks. As a first effort I think they have done very well. Inside the ziplock poly bag you will find quite a large sheet of paint masks and a small, but well filled decal sheet. The decals are very well printed in good register and with minimal carrier film. They look very thin and only usage will determine how they adhere and settle down, hopefully without breaking up. There are decals and masks for other Bell X-1s in the program not just Chuck Yeager’s aircraft. There is a full set of stencils for both the exterior of the aircraft and the cockpit, along with the famous name, us titles, test site name and the Bell Aircraft logo. The larger items, such as the national insignia, photographic crosses, identification codes etc come in the form of paint masks which are pretty easy to use once you have found the correct colours. The instructions only show the markings for Glamorous Glennis so research will need to be carried out if other aircraft are to be modelled. Conclusion As stated above, for a first product I think MH Models have done very well. The masks are die cut, so easy to remove from their backing sheet and the decals are very well printed. Apart from the extra research required for the other X-1s I’m quite happy to recommend them to anyone who has the 1:32 kit. Sample provided by MH Models

P-51D Mustang 1:32 CMK Since some modellers don’t particularly like the rubber/vinyl tyres used in the various 1:32 Mustang kits, there is the option of replacing them with resin parts. There are a number of sets from different manufacturers and now CMK have joined the fray with this set Q32 184, in their Quick and Easy line. The resin comes in a small poly bag stapled to card header with a small instruction sheet also inside the bag. On removal the quality of the mouldings can clearly be seen. The diamond and hole tread pattern is beautifully rendered and with the moulding block thinly attached to the inside of the tyres inner edge no damage will be caused to the tread on removal. Clean up is nice and simple, as it is for the inner and outer hubs. There is a choice of outer hubs, one for the Dragon and Tamiya kits and one for the Trumpeter kit. There is also a set of diagrams on how to modify the different kits oleos to give the correct height for the Dragon kit and to reduce the size of the axles on the Trumpeter and Tamiya kits. CMK have also been good enough to provide a replacement tail wheel complete with finely moulded radial tread. Conclusion I’ve not seen this line of add-ons before, but am pretty impressed by the detail in this set. The only downside in this set is that the brake detail on the inner hubs is a little soft and could be better defined. Other than that I can happily recommend this to all owners of any of the three kits this set is aimed at. Review sample courtesy of

Messerschmitt detail Sets Eduard/Brassin 1:32 Revell produced are cracking kit in their 1:32 Me-109G-6 particularly for the price, but it have some shortcomings and Eduard believe the detail also needed to be spruced up. With this in mind they have released a selection of sets for this kit, and an additional one for those modellers who would like to use the kit in a diorama. All these sets can be found in the Big Ed set or bought separately, it’s entirely up to the modeller to decide how much detail they would like or need to add. The relief etched brass is up to their usual high standards yet the instructions still let them down and really should be clearer on how parts are folded and fitted. Detail Set (32788) The two sheets contained in the standard poly sleeve provide parts for both the interior and exterior, so no need for separate sets. The majority of parts are on a medium sized relief etched sheet whilst the smaller sheet containing the cockpit parts is mostly pre-painted and self adhesive. For the cockpit the set includes a new seat support and panel for the rear bulkhead, new seat pan, a pair of very well detailed rudder pedals, trim wheel control chains and support bracket. The instrument panel is made up of several layers with the instruments printed on the backing plate, as other sets of this nature a drop of Klear or Aqua Gloss will be needed to represent the instrument glass. On the side walls there are several new or replacement instrument boxes and pre-printed faces, along with new cable runs and pipework. Each of the alternative gunsights receives new reflector glass supports, lens surround and brackets. Externally the set provides new radiator front and rear grids, a new intake grille, internal fittings for the radiator housings and main wheel bays; brake pipes and replacement lower undercarriage leg doors. The ailerons are given new end plates and the slats are provided with new internal lip strips. There is a nicely detail aerial mounting bracket on the tail fin and strap for the drop tank. Finally, each of the alternative canopies receive new armoured back plates and handles for the windscreen frame. Interior Zoom Set (33128) This zoom set contains only the above pre-painted sheet and allows the modeller to build a well detailed cockpit without the hassle of getting bogged down with detail that might otherwise be deemed superfluous. Tools and Boxes (32351) For those modellers that want to use their model in a diorama, whether in a workshop or on the line then this two sheet set will be just for you. The main part is the carry case, which, once folded to shape is fitted with four carry handles, two per side. Into this are fitted four shelves, two shallow ones for the general tools, such as spanners, snips, hammers, cutters and the like, (all provided), and too deeper ones in which the more specialist tools are held, all safely kept in place by various spacers and locking parts. Also included is a large tool roll, which when assembled and painted up should look great lying on a wing on the grass by the aircraft. The roll is also well populated with the more popular tools such as screwdrivers, cutters, rule, adjustable spanners etc. Seatbelts (32784), and (32791) These two sets of seatbelts give more choice to the modeller, they can either buy the all etched brass set, which is pre-painted and go through the process of annealing to make them more flexible to sit in the seat pan correctly, or go for the fabric ones which should sit more naturally. Both sets come with a full selection of buckles and clasps and whilst whilst quite fiddly to assemble they will really help make the cockpit stand out from the crowd. Brassin Wheel Set (632 018) In addition to the etched sets Eduard, in their Brassin range have also released this set of replacement resin wheels. The inner and outer hubs, plus the tyres are all separate, making painting so much easier. Detail is also enhanced with the tread looking very nice and the brake details more representative. Once removed from the moulding blocks it shouldn’t take to much cleaning up before they are ready for use. Conclusion This is another great selection of sets from Eduard, who seem to be churning them out like it was going out of fashion, yet keeping the standard high. The tool box set is my favourite and I hope they produce more diorama sets in the future. The rest of the sets will go towards making the finished model look top notch, particularly when the Brassin wheels are used as well. Review sample courtesy of

Chance Vought F4-U detail Sets Eduard 1:32 The Tamiya 1:32 Corsair in a beautiful model straight out of the box with perhaps the only real area that needing attention being the magnetos on the crank case. Eduard obviously feels differently as they have released a raft of update sets for it, seven in fact if you include the zoom set. Each set are in the usual poly sleeve packaging with a card insert to prevent damage, and the instructions still leave a lot to be desired. Typically some of the kit details need to be removed before the brass parts can be added. Interior Set (32781) Contained on two sheets of relief etched brass, the larger one is unpainted whereas the smaller one is not only pre-painted but self adhesive as well. The unpainted sheet contains items such as the rudder pedal heel and toe plates, rudder cable attachments, side console inside faces, document pockets and additional fittings not included in the kit. On the engine bulkhead there is a pair of new cable runs and pipes, whilst the foot rests/”floor” troughs are fitted with more detailed bulkhead fittings complete with lightening holes. There are a large number of instrument boxes fitted around the cockpit, on the side consoles, coaming and side walls onto which the pre-painted faces are attached. The instrument panels are also pre-painted complete with the instrument faces on the backplate. A little dab of aqua clear will give them the appearance of glass fronts. The fire extinguisher and oxygen bottles receive new straps and supports and the canopy is fitted with new frames fore and aft and latching handle. Interior Zoom Set (33126) This zoom set contains only the above pre-painted sheet and allows the modeller to build a well detailed cockpit without the hassle of getting bogged down with detail that might otherwise be deemed superfluous. Engine Set (32343) To really enhance the details on the kits engine this set provides a wealth of additional and finer parts for the job. Quite a few areas need to be cut away before the etched parts can be added, particularly around the cowling mounting bulkhead between the cylinder banks. Holes need to be drilled into the cylinder banks ready to accept the new wiring harness which is pretty complex and care will be needed as whilst the instruction diagram is better than usual, it could have been clearer. The exhaust manifold receives new flanges and jubilee style clips. Another complex area of the build is the fitting of the individual cowl flaps and cowl flap ring. Each cowl flap is fitted with a three piece etched actuator which will need a very steady hand to assemble and fit. The front cowl mounting ring is also provided as are the interior rib detail for each of the opening cowling panels. Exterior (32344) This single sheet set contains some very nice additional detail for the exterior and open areas of the kit. There are quite a few parts dedicated to the interior of the tailwheel bay, especially on the mounting bulkhead which has new mounting fixtures and fittings for the tail oleo, whilst the foreward bulkhead is fitted with new fittings which include the rudder cable arm and mounting bracket. The tailwheel bay doors are fitted with new hinges panels and attachment links. The main wheel bays also get a dose of additional detail with the fitting of new panels around the bay walls and roof along with additional cabling and pipe work. If you’re building the model with wings folded then you have the option of adding new end plates to the flaps and ailerons along with replacement brackets and web pieces. The wing fold areas have a host of new hoses and pipework fitted which will really make the areas look not only more accurate but busy. Placards (32795) This small single sheet set contains much of what is already on the interior sets pre-painted sheet and naturally the zoom set, which is rather annoying to be honest. There are a few parts different that the modeller could use in the cockpit, but not nearly enough to make this set worth being separate to the interior sets. Seatbelts (32784), and (32791) The first of these two sets is made completely from etched brass, pre-painted for the most part, but with unpainted clasps, buckles etc. The second has the etched seatbelts replaced with fabric ones, which really do look nice and may sit better on the seat. Either will look good even though they look quite fiddly to assemble. Conclusion Eduard do produce a very nice selection of sets here, although I do feel that they are taking the mickey a little with the placard set in that is does really add anything that are already included in the interior/zoom sets. The seat belt question also needs to be asked, why isn’t the brass set at least included in the interior set? That said they do what they do very well and the selection does give the modeller a choice on how far they want to go with detailing. So I can still recommend them, but be aware of what’s included. Review sample courtesy of

Grumman Intruder decals 1:32 Super Scale International Two new sheets of decals for the Trumpeter 1:32 Grumman A-6A Intruder have been released by SSI and they’ve been kind enough to send them here for us to look at. Each ziplock bag contains a medium sized sheet of decals and a full colour plan that not only shows the decals positioning but also the correct colours to use for the model. They are printed by Cartograph of Italy, so you can get an idea of the quality of these sheets. Both sheets only contain the national insignia, unit markings and items such as rescue arrows and intake warning triangles, there are no other stencils, which isn’t a problem as they are on the kits decal sheets. They are very well printed, in good register, slightly glossy and are nicely thin. The carrier film isn’t too intrusive except between the larger lettering and tail markings which could have been printed separately to alleviate this, but should be ok on top of a good gloss coat. SheetMS320264 contains markings for A-6A 500 BuNo.156995 of VA-95 “Green Lizards” based on-board USS Coral Sea August 1974 Sheet MS320265 contains markings for A-6A 503 BuNo.156995 of VA-115 “Arabs” based on-board USS Midway May 1973 Conclusion These are a very nice pair of decal sheets that will look great on the completed model and will make a pleasant change to the kit markings. They will certainly add a dash of colour to the standard grey and white scheme of the day. From experience, the decals should settle well with your favourite softening and setting solutions. Highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

Sea Lynx Mk.88A 83+21 MFG-3 Norsholz Build for the Lynx Single Type Group Build (Build thread HERE).

AMC DH.9 1:32 Wingnut Wings The DH.9 was a development of the earlier DH.4 and was intended as an improvement, but unfortunately turned out to be an inferior machine in many ways. Demand for the Rolls-Royce Eagle engine meant that the '9' was allocated the Siddeley-Deasy 'Puma' engine which turned out to be notoriously unreliable and unable to deliver its promised 300 hp, 230 hp being it's more likely output. Ordered into mass production before the bugs were ironed out, the DH.9 was a hugely disappointing aircraft but the RFC (soon to be RAF) had to make do with it when it achieved squadron service in April 1918. Despite its shortcomings it saw widespread service into the postwar era, serving with up to 16 foreign air forces including Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and many European countries. A new Wingnut Wings kit always creates a great sense of anticipation and they never disappoint. The whole presentations is as we have come to expect, with the beautiful artwork on the silver gilt edged box crammed with sprues of exquisite quality, and an an instruction manual that is a reference work in it's own right. Eleven sprues, one photo etched sheet, and two decal sheets are supplied, all of which are beautifully done. A few parts are marked as not for use, so it is clear that other releases are planned. Sprue A contains the majority of the cockpit parts and the tailplanes, and is in fact common with the DH.9a kit, although all the others are unique to each boxing. Sprue B holds most of the remaining interior parts and is joined with sprue H which has the fuselage side panels, struts and undercarriage parts. It's worth taking a look at the quality of mouldings, in case you have not seen one of these kits 'in the flesh' before. The propeller is a beautiful piece of work, such a complex shape and yet perfectly done. Even more amazing are the two bomb cells, completely moulded as seen here. Wingnut Wings have raised the bar again by providing elements like this. Sprue C is clear and contains the windscreen elements as we would expect. Two Sprue D's are provided, holding all the items that need to be doubled up, such as wheels, struts and ailerons. Alongside, two Sprue R's hold all the armament. Cooper, HERL, and HE bombs are there along with their appropriate racks. Vickers and Lewis guns, a Scarff ring and ammo drums complete the options. Sprue E is for the Puma engine. The rocker covers have the legend 'Siddeley Puma' moulded in micro fine lettering on them which really need a magnifying glass to see properly. There are alternative right side cylinder mouldings depending upon whether a single or twin carburettor version is chosen. Sprue F contains the upper and lower main planes, with the usual perfect Wingnut Wings depiction of the rib tapes and stitching. All the rigging points are indicated by fine holes which can be used 'as is' or further drilled for your favourite method of rigging. Sprue G holds the fuselage halves and associated parts. Detail is finely recessed or raised as appropriate. The rear fuselage has separate side panels which are to be found on sprue H, see above where it is attached to sprue B. The etched brass fret provides seat belts, ratchets for the scarff ring and minor fittings for the interior and exterior. Decals are on two parts, the main one is a huge sheet the same size as the box and gives all the roundels, serials, stencils, bomb marking and even individual instruments for the main panel (all readable!). A second sheet consists of white printing for the more complex areas of some of the finishing options, and should make completing any of them a breeze. They are produced by Cartograf, a name that stands for top quality. Finishing options. There are the usual five different options, there are two bonus offerings that can be completed with the elements provided. One is for 5636 of the RNZAF, and the other for C1283 of the RAF. The main options are; A) B7620, J.A. Gray and J.J. Comerford, A Flight, 211 Sqn, June 1918 'B) C6293, "3", 144 Sqn, August 1918 C) D2989, "Lobster", 49 TDS, February 1919 D) D7211, "Spetsai", HNAS, 1919 E) D7302, "N", R.S.S. Ingram & A.W. Wyncoll, C Flight, 108 Sqn, August 1918 Conclusion. Part of reviewing a kit is to draw attention to the good and bad parts of any new offering. Well in this latest package from Wingnut Wings I have to admit that I can find nothing even slightly negative to comment on. This is as perfect a plastic model as I have ever seen, it is simple as that. Everything is done to the highest standard, from the presentation, to the quality of moulding, even the plastic itself is without sink marks or blemishes. The individually wrapped sprues, the instruction manual with it's use of photos to further explain assembly, and the beautifully illustrated finishing options all combine to create modelling heaven. Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

This build is going to be a model of the K-21 that I learned to fly and soloed in Not sure which of these two is the aircraft I soloed in as I neglected to record the GGA reg No in my logbook. Recording on Red K-21 Long Mynd. I know that the K-21 I flew was later in an accident but not sure if she was scrapped or replaced Bungee launching from the western slopes of the Long Mynd, this is a fun way to be launched or being a member of the launch crew, especially when the bungee rope snaps! Looking forward to this one

Grumman A-6A Intruder Trumpeter 1/32 History The A6 was developed to meet the U.S. Navy's need for an aircraft that could attack ground and sea based targets in any weather, day or night. These needs generated a Request for Proposal in 1956 to which eight companies submitted no less than twelve design proposals. Grumman's design number 1280 was the winning entry and a contract was issued on March 26, 1959. The aircraft was originally designated the A2F1, and the first flight of BUNO 147864 took place on April 19, 1960. When aircraft designations were standardized, the A2F1 became the A6A. The first A6A entered service with VA-42 in March 1963. The "Intruder," as it was nicknamed, joined Navy/Marine squadrons on board fleet carriers in 1964, complementing A4 and A7 aircraft in the attack role. The A6 provided the Navy with an all weather strike capability for the first time. Its design enabled it to carry both nuclear and conventional weapons, which consisted of over three dozen types of ordnance, from guided missiles to cluster munitions. The Intruder's lack of eye appeal has resulted in a low-key image in the minds of many uninformed aviation enthusiasts. But throughout its 32 years of service, it has earned and maintained a reputation as the workhorse of Naval Aviation from the countless Battle Group Commanders who were responsible for projecting United States power abroad. Time is one of the key yardsticks used to determine the relative success or failure of almost anything man develops. And time has clearly signaled the success of the A6 design. It leaves the fleet as it entered the sign and how adaptable that design is to accepting improvements and technology. The A6 has proven exceptional in both areas. One of the main advantages of the Intruder has always been its ability to carry a lot of ordnance, both tonnage and variety, to the target. The aircraft can deliver twenty-eight 500 pound bombs with pin point accuracy day or night. It also can deliver the Navy's entire arsenal of available weapons, from bombs to ground attack and air-to-air missiles, flares, and also provide a full array of target services for air and surface training. The Intruder's range is also legendary. She can strike targets at over 500 miles from the carrier unrefueled. Her ability to go long distances with minimal additional fuel has greatly simplified strike planning for over 30 years, as airborne refuelling has been and continues to be one of strike planning's most irascible problems. The Model It has been on the wish list of many modellers for a long time and finally an A-6 Intruder has been released in 1:32 scale. Trumpeter have started, naturally with the A model and hopefully they will be releasing more marks in the future. The kit comes in a large top opening box, with a very nice artists impression of two Intruders in the air, one with a full weapons load and the other with racks empty but with undercarriage and wing tip air-brakes extended. Inside the box is crammed to the gunwales with twenty seven sprues of grey styrene, three sprues of clear styrene, a small etched brass sheet, rubber tyres, metal undercarriage legs and three sheets of decals. The mouldings are really rather nice with very fine details, engraved panel lines, well defined, but not overly done riveted areas, no sign of flash anywhere, (which is always a good sign in a new kit), and only a small number of moulding pips. Apart from the number of sprues, and therefore parts, (there are 570 parts in the kit), it is the size of the fuselage halves that gives the game away as to how big the completed model is going to be and it will certainly be impressive, being 522.2mm in length with a 502.8mm wingspan with wings extended. There is a wealth of internal detail included in the kit but there is always room for additional detail to be added by the more fastidious modeller should they so wish. Each of the sub-assemblies should be considered models in their own right as they are quite complex and will require some careful building and painting. Each engine build starts with the assembly of the intake fan which comes in five parts which is then fitted to the two part intake trunking, the seams of which shouldnt cause too much of a problem since its quite short in length. Around the rear of the trunking the four sections of the engine body are glued into position. Once the glue has set then another three sections that make up the rear of the engine are attached. Along with the auxiliary accessories pack there are a number of electronic boxes, pipes and sundries that are attached around the engine body. Before fitting the three piece exhaust duct and nozzle, the five piece engine exhaust is fitted to the rear of the engine. The way these engines have been designed they shouldnt cause too many problems with painting, my only reservation would be the filing and sanding of the seams, particularly if the engine bay doors are to be left open for all to be seen. The two assemblies can now be set aside until required later in the build. With the engines complete, its on to the cockpit assembly. Each of the two seats are made up of the main seat frame, two side arms, main gun tube and lower firing handle. Onto this the two piece backpad, seat squab and headpad are fixed. To complete each seat the upper firing handle is fitted and the four piece harness, made of PE is attached. The cockpit is constructed of the main tub and rear under canopy panel. Two circuit breaker panels are fitted to the rear of the tub, followed by the ejector seat assemblies. Several fittings are the attached to the rear panel along with a pair of pipes. The instrument panel is assembled next, with the clear part attached to the rear of the styrene part, (best painted beforehand). The panel is then glued into position on the underside of the coaming, before fitting to the cockpit tub the pilots rudder pedals are affixed to their mounting then to the cockpit floor. With the coaming in place the reflector bombsight and glass are fitted to the pilots side. The kit comes with a fully detailed rear equipment bay which swings out from the belly of the real aircraft. The two shelves are fitted out with black boxes before the swing arm frame, bay sides and bottom panel are attached. Four support rods are then attached, two per side. The next sub-assemblies built are the main undercarriage. Each side is made of the metal main oleo, onto which the main retraction jack, two part scissor link, additional linkages and tie down rings are attached. Each main wheel consists of the rubber tyre, inner and outer hubs and the brake unit, the completed items are then attached to the axle. Next on the production line is the windscreen and canopy. The windscreen is simply fitted with the magnetic compass whilst the canopy is fitted with an internal l shaped panel, onto which two boxes are attached. The two slides are then fitted to the underside of the panel and the whole assembly fitted to the inside of the canopy. As well as a small overhead console there is a small pipe, T handle and four rear view mirrors fitted. The nose wheel assembly is constructed from the metal main oleo, onto which the nose wheel steering motor associated link, and two additional items are fitted, along with the main scissor link, launch bar and motor, main retraction jack plus additional linkages are attached. The nose wheels themselves are made up of the rubber tyres plus inner and outer hubs, when assembled they are attached to the axle stubs. The last of the sub-assemblies are those for the two fuselage air-brake bays. Each bay is fitted out with from frames and three sections of pipework. With the above sub-assemblies complete, its onto the build proper. The keel beam panel, complete with nose wheel bay moulded onto it is fitted with the nose wheel bay sides and a couple of internal fittings. The nose wheel assembly is then fixed into place, followed by the main longitudinal keel beam. The cockpit assembly is then fitted to one fuselage half whilst the air-brake bays are fitted to both halves. The main intakes are constructed from three parts and also affixed into place. Each fuselage half is also fitted with a bulkhead just aft of the main wheel bays. With the keel beam/nose wheel assembly in place the fuselage halves can be close up with the single piece rudder sandwiched between them. The instructions call for the air-brake s to be attached at this point, but unless being posed in the closed position it may be better to leave these off until later as they could easily be broken off whilst the build continues. On the underside the arrestor hook bay is fitted along with the two piece arrestor hook, although this could be left off till later to aid painting. The forward bulkhead is populated with a complex array of black boxes, main radar and terrain following radar before being fitted to the nose section. The build progresses with the construction of the inner wings. Each wing section is made up of upper and lower panels, onto which the multi part flaps, slats and spoilers are attached, each of which has the option of being posed extended or retracted. The wing fold mechanism comes in pre moulded complete the two halves of the pylon situated at that point. Each inner wing section can then be attached to the fuselage, after which the two engine/intake/exhaust ducts are fitted into place, as are the nose wheel bay doors and their associated retraction jacks. The outer wings also come in top and bottom panels, which, when glued together are closed off by the outer wing fold mechanism panel. The wings are then fitted out with actuator fairings for the wing tip air-brakes and flap hinges. The air-brakes, flaps and slats are again able to be posed in the extended or retracted state. If the outer wings are to be posed in the spread position there is a rod that will help in support in the outer wing panels in place, followed by the appropriate wing fold cover on the upper wing. The two piece horizontal tailplanes are also glued into position, as are a couple of small intake ducts, the tailplane positioned pitot probe and the Ram Air Turbine in port wing root, which can be left off if required and the bay covered by a panel. If the wings are to be posed folded then the inner and outer wing fold cover needs to be fitted and the wings glued into position. Two large wing retraction jacks are then glued into place, followed by four small links and pipes. With the build nearing completion it is only a matter of fitting the nose radome, either open or closed, the windscreen and canopy sub-assemblies, and the main undercarriage. The crew access foot steps are assembled out of both styrene and PE parts and fitted into position on either side of the forward fuselage. Finally the engine access doors are attached. Once again these have the option of being posed open or closed and if open there are quite a few internal fittings that need to be attached first. There are a number of external air intakes to be fitted to these panels in either case. The central fairing, covering the exhaust section is also glued into position, followed by the main equipment bay sub-assembly, the forward nose wheel bay door, complete with clear parts for the lights, main undercarriage doors plus the centre and inner pylons, each made up of two halves onto which the crutch plates are added. There is a comprehensive array of weapons that can be fitted to the kit and each made up of multiple parts, including styrene and PE as well as having their respective adapters and fittings. For the iron bombs the kit comes with two TERs and two MERs. The selection of stores include:- Centreline drop tank 4 off wing mounted drop tanks 2 off AGM-12 Bullpups 2 off AGM-45 Shrikes 2 off GBU-8 2000lb HOBOs 12 off Mk82 500lb iron bombs with normal or extended fuses and slick or retarded tails 6 off M117 750lb iron bombs with normal and extended fuses For the correct or historical loadout check your references, for all other instances load it up to the hilt. Decals There are two large decal sheets and one small one provided. There is one for the aircraft and one for the weaponry and one for the instrument panel. They are all very nicely printed, in good register and opacity. They are quite glossy and thin, with minimal carrier film visible and with a good gloss coat beforehand they should bed down well without silvering. Two aircraft schemes are provided, these are for:- US Navy, VA-35 Panthers, BuNo. 152940, USS Enterprise US Navy, VA-145 Swordsmen, BUNo. 155717, USS Ranger The weapon sheet provides the yellow live weapon rings and placards for the each of the different weapons, with the rest of the sheet covering the placards for each of the pylons. Conclusion Grumman had a reputation for build strong, well built aircraft and the Intruder lived up to that reputation. It could carry a huge amount of stores great distances and deliver them accurately. With this kit you really get to appreciate the size and construction of the real aircraft and the amount of detail included is quite amazing and will keep even the out of the box builder busy for a good while, whilst giving the detail enthusiast an excellent starting point onto which to practice their art. I cannot comment on how accurate the model is as I dont have plans, but it sure looks right. Highly recommended. Walkround photos are available HERE Review sample courtesy of

Finally managed to finish this one, with a few stumbles toward the end. I tried out a host of new techniques and materials on this thing and am pretty happy with the result. Another thing I'm fairly happy with is I can now get rid of the ginormous box cluttering up the apartment. The only addition was a set of belts, some engine detailing and some nylon thread static dischargers. So without further ado, I give you the pictures.. The build thread can be found here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234940474-trumpeter-132-a-1d/

Messerschmitt Me-109G6 AlleyCat 1:32 Revell can be full of surprises and when they announced the new 1:32 Me-109G6 the usual clamour for information started. Fortunately for Revell, the kit was very well received, but as usual there were some areas that could have been done a little better. To help with making an more accurate model, AlleyCat have released this upgrade set of resin parts for it. Arriving in a sturdy cardboard box with just a simple sticker on the front describing what the set is for, the set replaces many of the kits problem parts and has been designed to improve other areas. The set contains 37 parts, all in a medium grey resin, plus a small etched sheet providing a couple of scribing templates and two A4 sheets of instructions. The first takes the form of colour photos showing how the parts are assembled and where they go, the second is a sheet of well written instructions, clearly describing what needs to be done and how. There is quite a bit of cleaning up to be done once the parts have been given a good wash in warm soapy water, as each part is on its own moulding block or surrounded by flash. This shouldn’t take too long as the parts and blocks have been well designed to allow for minimum contact. With the set parts sorted, some of the kits parts also need to be altered to allow the fitting of the resin bits. This is mainly around the engine cowling parts where small raised areas need to be removed for the replacement cannon bulges. The new carburetor intake will also need the three holes in the side cowling to be opened up and joined together to form a triangle for it to fit into. There is also a small scoop on the starboard side cowling that needs to be carefully removed to be replaced by a replacement scoop. The set includes a completely new propeller, with new blades, spinner and back plate. The blades have been designed to be slotted into their respective mounting points, with mounting blocks fitted beforehand, and pinned from behind, which is quite unusual, but effective in getting the blades at the correct angle. Also included are new radiator housing, radiator flap, exhaust stubs and backing plates, cowling gun bulges, elevators, rudder, cockpit floor, pilots seat, joystick and rear bulkhead, cockpit air vents, drop tank pannier, and aerial mast. The etched scribing templates are for correcting the small air vents below the cockpit, with clear instructions for the positioning. Conclusion Even though the new Revell kit looks great straight out of the box, there’s always room for improvement and set that not only corrects the slightly wrong areas but also gives much nicer detail definition to others. Very easy to use, even for the novice to resin it will certainly go a long way to help make a fantastic looking model. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

DeHavilland DH-103 Hornet HpH 1:32 The twin-engine Hornet fighter was designed to Specification F.12/43 and the first prototype flew on 28 July 1944. It entered production at the end of 1944 and deliveries were made to the RAF from February 1945. Four versions were produced for the RAF as: the Hornet F.1 medium-range single-seat fighter with four 20mm cannon and provision for carrying two 450kg bombs or two 455 litre drop tanks; Hornet PR.2 long-range unarmed photographic reconnaissance aircraft; Hornet F.3 long-range single-seat fighter with the increased fuel tankage of the PR.2; and Hornet FR.4 with a vertically mounted camera. More than 200 were built. The Hornet was the fastest twin piston-engined operational combat aircraft in the world while in service and the first aircraft to demonstrate a cartwheel manoeuvre. Operated in Malaya in the early 1950s, the type was finally withdrawn from service in 1955. The Model With the disappointing news of the withdrawal of the 1:32 Westland Whirlwind fighter from their prospective new releases HpH came back with stunning news that they were to release the beautiful DeHavilland DH 103 Hornet instead. Still in 1:32, this news was greeted with great enthusiasm by the modelling world. The kit was rand eleased just before SMW at Telford, even though it is quite an expensive kit, from what I could see it was being snapped up. We at BM are lucky enough to have to opportunity to review one of my all time favourite aircraft, even if it is RAF colours. The kit comes in a very sturdy cardboard box, on top of which are two side views of the two colours schemes provided within the box. On opening the divided interior is full of grey resin, either separate, as per the larger parts or in poly bags for the numerous smaller bits. There are also three sheets of what look like etched nickel, a set of fabric seatbelts, paint masks and quite a large sheet of decals. The instructions are provided on a CD which when printed out are in full colour and very nicely laid out. The diagrams and parts placement are very clear and easy to read, which is a good job really, as there are a lot of parts in this kit. Before building there is a lot of cleaning up to be done. Not only is each part attached to a casting block, but there are large areas of the wings, such as flap and aileron positions, filled in with thin resin, as is the cockpit opening, and wing openings in the fuselage. A large number of the smaller parts are moulded on thin resin sheets from which they need to be cut out. Other than that there is no real excess flash and the moulding does look very nice indeed, with fine panel lines and rivets where required. There has been quite a bit of web chatter about the dimensions of the kit and it is generally agreed that the kit is very nearly spot, being within 0.5mm of what it should be, which, given the variable shrink rates of resin is about as good as it can get. The one fly in the ointment is the nose join with the windscreen and canopy. Even in the box the nose does look ever so slightly screwy and there does appear to be a slight discrepancy in the shape of the nose fairing where it joins the windscreen frame. This is quite an awkward fix, but it can be done as shown in a build thread on BM. That being said, I think if the kit is built out of the box with no alterations it will still look fantastic and impress anyone who views it. This kit will be the subject of a build review on here as soon as I get some time in-between other duties on BM and life in general. Once all the parts have been removed from their moulding blocks and the superfluous resin removed from the wings and fuselage, and had a good wash in warm soapy water you can start construction. The build begins with the wings and the fitting of the front and rear radiator faces, carburetor intake doors, which can be fitted in either the open or closed position depending on the whether the aircraft is flying or on the ground. The front and rear spars are then attached and wings closed up and finished off with the fitting of the clear navigation light lenses. The lower wing roots are then joined together along with the front spars, creating a single piece wing. Before the fuselage is closed up the tail wheel assembly is constructed put of the bay roof, front bulkhead, tailwheel and oleo which is fitted to the forward roof part. The completed assembly is then fitted in position in the right hand fuselage. The two fuselage halves are then glued together and the wing passed through the openings at an angle to slide through the fuselage, then straightened up and glued in position. Construction of the superbly detailed cockpit starts off with the starboard side panel and the fitting of the numerous handles, brackets, trim wheels, switch panel and its separate switches. The port panel is then assembled with the addition of switches, canopy handle and placard. The side consoles are also assembled with resin consoles, PE panels and additional switches. The main instrument panels are also in resin with the with the pre-painted PE instruments fitted to the back. The complex seat brackets are next, attached to the rear bulkhead then fitted with the four seat supports onto which the seat with its separate bag pad, PE seat adjustment handle bracket and resin handle attached. The assembly is completed using the fiddly, but very worthwhile cloth seat belts with their PE fittings. The cockpit floor is the fitted out with several PE items and the rear cockpit bulkhead is attached to the floor. Before the cockpit floor and bulkhead can be fitted into the fuselage the rear cockpit shelf needs to be slid into position. On this shelf there are two resin boxes with their associated PE tops and fittings and the oxygen bottle. With the shelf in position the cockpit floor is then slid into the nose of the fuselage and glued into place. The port and starboard cockpit panels are then attached followed by the side consoles. The rudder pedals and control column/joystick are then assembled and glued into place followed by the instrument panel and centre console, cockpit coaming and a beautifully detailed gunsight made of resin and etched parts along with a clear reflector glass, which is then attached to the top of the instrument panel. Finally the seat and bulkhead assembly is fitted to the attachment points on the cockpits rear bulkhead. At this point the instructions call for the windscreen and canopy to be fitted, but it’s probably best to leave this till a later stage, although there is a set of masks for hte windscreen and canopy should you wish to added them at this stage. Construction then turns to the rear empennage which consists of the two horizontal tail planes, separate elevators and trim tab linkages, along with the tailplane and separate rudder and again an etched trim tab linkage. The rudder and elevators require short lengths of wire to attach them to their respective parts. Wire is also required to attach the horizontal tailplanes to the fuselage with short lengths fitted to the rear of the join and a long length which passes through the fuselage onto which the tailplanes are fitted. With the airframe almost complete the build moves on to the engine nacelles. Each half of the nacelle is fitted with the exhaust stubs, from the inside, the main wheel bay forward bulkhead is then attached and the nacelles closed up. The two propellers consist of the four blades, propeller spinner, and two metal tubes which connect the propeller to the hub. The completed propellers are then fitted to their respective engines and the completed nacelles are attached to the wings, along with the radiator flaps, intakes grilles and the internal ribs for each flap bay and the pitot probe, although this could be left till later to prevent breaking the thing off. The main undercarriage legs are then assembled, each consisting of the main oleo, scissor link, support arm, and when fitted to their respective bays the retraction jacks are attached. The main wheels are made up of the wheel with separate inner and outer hubs and are then attached to the axles of each oleo. To finish off the bays the doors are fitted with their retraction jacks and attached to their respective positions on the nacelles. Each of the inner and outer flaps are assembled using the outer skins, inner hinges and a length of wire. If keeping to the instruction sequence the next operation is the construction of the weapons and drop tanks each of which can be fitted as per the modellers preferences. The 500lb bombs consist of the main body, separate tail and PE tail ring and are attached to the mounting pylon by PE crutch plates and crutches. The rockets are made up form a metal tube, turned metal head, PE tail fins, PE mounting clamps, mountings and supports. The drop tanks consist of the large resin moulding, onto which two etched rings are fitted to the top and side of the nose. They are then attached to their pylons ready for attachment to the wing. Also in this instruction sequence is the attachment of the trim tab linkage to each of the ailerons. The flaps, choice of weapons and ailerons are fitted to their respective positions on each wing. Decals The moderately large decal sheet contains markings for two aircraft, along with enough stencils for one. The options are:- • DH 103 Hornet F.3 of 33 Sqn RAF, Tenga and Butterworth, Malaya, 1951 – 1952 in Dark Sea Grey and Dark Green over Medium Sea Grey. • DH 103 Hornet F.Mk1 of the Commanding Officer 19 Sqn RAF, Church Fenton, Yorkshire, U.K. July 1950 in Medium Sea Grey over PRU Azure Blue The decals are very nicely printed, in good register and nicely opaque, they are semi-gloss and with little carrier film so they should settle down well with the modellers choice of softener and setting solutions. Conclusion It has been a long time coming and even then it came as a bit of a surprise, but it’s been well worth the wait. The nose and canopy problem will probably defeat all but the best or most fastidious of modellers who will be able to rectify this, but out of the box I imagine that most people looking at a completed model won’t be able to notice. Being mixed media though it will pose some challenges to those who haven’t built in resin and the like before, but if taken steadily and carefully, a superb model can be built. If you love the Hornet you shouldn’t be too disappointed with this release and it will look great in anyones collection. Highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

Fokker E.IV 1:32 Wingnut Wings The Fokker Eindekker is well known to most aviation enthusiasts, mainly in its E.I to E.III form. Developed from it was the E.IV, which looks broadly similar but with some obvious differences. The most noticeable is the raised hump/fairing around the cockpit, which also covers the breeches of the twin Spandaus. The desire to increase the single gun armament of the previous Eindekkers to the twin guns on the E.IV made sense, as it would give extra firepower as well as the ability to keep fighting if one gun jammed. In fact the prototype was fitted with three Spandaus, but this proved to have problems with synchronisation gear and was not continued with. To cope with this extra weight the engine was also upgraded to a 160 hp Oberursel U.III, which was essentially just two seven cylinder Oberursel U.0 engines bolted together to form a fourteen cylinder rotary. Thus it was hoped that with its extra power and guns, the E.IV would be an evolutionary step forward of the aircraft that had brought the 'Fokker Scourge' to the Western Front. It was not be however, as that large engine spinning around produced significance gyroscopic forces which the old style wing warping controls were not well suited to control. Its performance was disappointing and the appearance of new allied machines such as the DH.2 and Nieuport 11 gave the advantage back to the Allies. Having arrived at the front in sufficient numbers by April 1916, the E.IV were mostly withdrawn by December as Halberstadt and Fokker D series biplanes took over. The Kit. Presented in Wingnuts Wings familiar silver trimmed box with Steve Anderson artwork, top quality is reassuringly in evidence. Lifting the lid reveals 10 sprues in individual shrink wrapped bags, one etched brass fret and a sheet of decals not quite A4 sized. The instruction booklet is of course to Wingnuts market leading standard, packed with CAD drawings of not only assembly sequences, but assembled sections as well. These are really helpful in clearing up any doubts you may have as you can see how the assembly should look when everything is together. Colour call outs are present all the way, and detail photographs of original machines are used to further illustrate how things should look. Cockpit, engine, guns, undercarriage, rigging, all are shown with photographs alongside the assembly drawings. These are actually seriously good reference works as well as assembly instructions. The plastic parts are a real pleasure to look at and examine. Beautifully moulded, the detail on them is exquisite. The tubular frameworks for the cockpit sides are very finely moulded, as are all the engine and cowl mounting frames. Of special note is the fabric effect, which is always good on Wingnuts. Sprue A Sprue C Sprue D Sprue E (2 are supplied) The large single wing parts look like they are actually a wooden framework covered with drum tight doped fabric. There is just that perfect balance of tautness and sagging that imitates the appearance of these early aircraft. Etched fret. Several options are supplied, the most extensive being for the prototype. For this a section of the forward fuselage is removed and replaced with etched brass panels. The three Spandaus and their mountings and cowl follow on, or the equivalent parts for a two gun machine can be used. An unslotted cowling is provided for the prototype, and a slotted one for all the others and even on this there flash guards to fit or not. Production or prototype cockpit coamings have their own windshields to fit, and then there is a decision to make on the fitment of a big four bladed fuel pump to the undercarraige legs. Lastly one of two beautiful looking Integral or Garuda propellers can be taken off the sprues to adorn the little beauty that this kit is undoubtedly going to be. Options. A. 122/15 Prototype, Anthony Fokker & Otto Parschau, September 1915. B. 127/15, Max Immelmann,FFA 62, January 1916 C. 638/15, Karl Albert, Albert Oesterreicher, Alfred Prehn, Willhelm Viereck, & Kurt Wintgens, KEK 3, mid-late 1916 D. 161/18, Lt Muller, Kest 6, April 1917 E. 163/16, Kurt Student, AOK 3 Fokkerstaffel, August 1916 Decal sheet. Conclusion. Having built a good many Wingnuts kits now, each and every one was an absolute pleasure to work on. Each new release just looks so good that I want to start building them straight away. There is in fact a great deal of pleasure to be gained from just looking through these kits and planning your build, deciding on the colour scheme, options to fit on, and so forth. Hours of fun can be had just theorising it all through before even a single part has been removed from the sprues, so you can get your money's worth before you even start it. If you've seen a wingnuts kit 'in the flesh' you will know what I am talking about. The E.I reviewed earlier, and this E.IV are both beautiful kits and share some common sprues, are both are calling out to be built ASAP. When finished they will be a reasonable size but not too demanding on storage space. Being monoplanes they should be easier to build than biplanes with all that associated struttery. The rigging looks be fairly straightforward, so any one of Wingnuts Eindekkers will be an excellent introduction to WW.1 modelling. It's Christmas soon, treat yourself to one of the most complete and rewarding kits that money can buy. It's another stunner from Wingnut Wings. Highly Recommended Review sample courtesy of

Hong Kong Models 1:32 Avro Lancaster MKIII, Catalog # 01E06 My first posting so hope it is of interest to some and in the right place! Here in the USA, Internet Hobbies has the big Lanc on site for advance order at 285 USD with delivery date of November 2013...http://www.internethobbies.com/hkmo1avlamki.html I checked with them and they confirmed the November date. They estimate 15 USD for shipping to me in MA (based on shipping cost of the HK 1:32 B17). I am thinking to recreate the BBMF in 1:32, probably not an original idea, but I visited the flight's hangar in Coningsby in August and it was just so inspiring! With HK Models I found the Lanc - now I need to find some decent spits and hurris in 1:32. The Sptfire PR XIX will be a challenge!

This is the superb Hannover Cl.II from Wingnut Wings, coupled with a lovely set of decals from Pheon. Reviews can be found here - Hannover CL.II Pheon Decals In brief, the Hannover was designed around the observers machine gun, to raise it high and give it the best possible field of fire (as was the Bristol F2b Fighter) including forwards over the wing. The biplane tail was to keep the span short and increase the field of fire rearwards to each side. It was a very succesful design and popular with its crews, soldiering on until the end of the first world war. What can be said about Wingnut Wings kits that you haven't already heard? Nothing really. Superb, Brilliant, Outstanding, Goregeous, Best of the Best. You got it - I love them. Pheons Decals are the icing on the cake, giving a lovely set of very interesting options to make your Hannover that little bit more special, and also come superbly presented and produced. On with the photos, there is not a square centimetre of plain finish on this, the whole thing is covered in lozenges and irregular shapes. Fuselage and wing centre section are handpainted, flying surfaces are decals. It took me a few month to get this far, but here she is, hope you like! All the ladders, wheel chocks etc come in the kit. There is a build log Here if you are interested. Cheers John

Flexible Die-Cut Masks 1:48/1:32 Eduard In continuing to increase their range of pre-cut masks, Eduard are helping to improve the lot of the average modeller. No more trial and error in getting the masking tape cut to the right shape or making up a large mask with lots of small strips. The Kabuki low tack tape used not only allows great flexibility it also means that their won't be any sticky mess left on the cockpit transparencies when removed. The individual sheets are contained in the standard, small, flat, self sealing sleeves, backed by card. Each sheet comes with a set of instructions. As is now usual Eduard have provided masks which only protect the edges of large transparencies with the modeller having to fill in the rest with either their own tape of masking liquid. As has been stated in other reviews some of these masking fluids contain ammonia which may dissolve any acrylic varnishes the transparencies have been dipped in, so be warned. This latest selection of releases include 1:48 and 1:32 scale aircraft. 1:48 Seafire F Mk 15 (Special Hobby) EX356 EA-18G (Hasegawa) EX373 Mig-29 (Great Wall Hobby) EX382 Jaguar A (Kitty Hawk) EX386 1:32 BAe Hawk 100/128 (Kitty Hawk) JX148 Conclusion Another nice selection of masks that cover some of the latest model releases. Highly recommended