Signore e Signori!

After much research and interpretation We're delighted to announce our first Italian production:

Markings for twelve Macchi M5 Flying boat fighters 0f 260th, 261st (Miraglia, Venice) and the American manned 263rd (Porto Corsini) Squadriglia

As with the earlier SPAD VII sets, this is a very colourful sheet with ten separate colours. I don' anticipate a massive demand for them, so they will be produced in limited numbers.

In 72nd scale a very limited run for the OOP Pegasus kit.

In 48th scale Lonestar Models did a resin one in about 2001 (now OOP) and Colin at Freightdog will release the Blue Max kit soon.

The Fly kit has a problem with fuselage depth from the hull step forward which gives the nose profile a too-pointed look and the reduced fuselage side area means that some of the decals won't fit without modifying the kit. Something I will be doing on line here at some early point. The alternative would have been to reduce the size of the nose artwork, numbers and cockades by 25-30% but I'd rather not compromise the set in this way. So if you are contemplating using these decals for that kit, be aware of these points.

Here are the schemes for the 260th and 261st Sq:




And for the American Naval Pilots of the 263rd:



Some of the schemes will be familiar, others are new interpretations of available photographs - there will be some alternative interpretation views with the final sets.

In addition to the usual high quality glossy side and plan views in 48th scale we intend to include an A4 32nd scale frameable print of one of the schemes, chosen at random (others available on request).

Prices (which reflect the large number of colours and low production runs - particularly so in the case of the 72nd scale set) will be £17.50 each for both 78007 and 48010.

orders are open now - email us at:

pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk.

NOTE

A set of scale templates to build a new hull for the Fly kit and plans for correction of other accuracy issues will be made available to purchasers of the 1/48th scale decals free of charge. These templates will be sent (for the cost of postage) printed on self adhesive sheet for application to plastic card for cutting out or emailed to you, as you prefer. They are being tested now and should be available within ten days.

Thanks Rowan, that saves me doing decals for the Blue Max kit (he's done every bloody option available already!!). Love job mate.
Colin

Hmmmmm, this bird is still on my wishlist in 1:32 scale. I don't think anyone will release one in the near future so could this be my next (or should i say 'first' scratchbuilding) project?

Cheers!
Laurens

ps: I have absolutely no idea how to start a scratchbuilding project like this. Any hints and/or tips?

Hello Laurens,

I wouldn't rule out a kit from Wingnut Wings - I hasten to add I don't know anything but it would make a good subject for them if they could track down decent drawings. The nearest thing to an M5 in existence is the M7 in a Swedish museum.

If you scratch build one a new kit will certainly be announced just as you're finishing....

The main structure shouldn't be too difficult to build from scratch as the hull was mostly flat surfaces and the only compound curves were on the front top decking and the propeller well behind the engine - fairly simple vac form shapes. The wings would be fairly easy as well, using the balsa core and plastic card skin method. I think the major challenge would be the engine, as most were almost completely exposed and this would be a must for detail work on a 32nd model.

Quite a lot of work, but it would make a beautiful model though!

Hello Rowan,
I'm not familiar with the balsa core and plastic card skin method. Any related articles?

Btw: What is your opinion on the fly kit compared to the Lonestar model?

Cheers!
Laurens

Hi Laurens,

There I go with my assumptions!!

Once upon a time there was a magical book.... written by the patron saint of WWI scratch builders, St. Sir Harry Woodman. Actually he hasn't yet been knighted or canonised but that's not for the want of trying by WWI modellers.

The Book is called "Scale Model Aircraft in Plastic Card" published in 1975 by Model & Allied Publications. I have a copy which is held together with selotape and which has, appropriately, scratch built 20 thou plastic covers.... Anyway the book has been out of print since Pontius was a Pilot but it used to be available on the web in its entirety via the WWI model site. Unfortunately the link to it has been hacked and it now takes you to a Scandanavian Dating Agency or something worse.

If you google the title you will find that some links appear to on-line book sites. I haven't tried any of these yet so I don't know if they're Kosher.

In the book there is a section on building scratch-built wings using a shaped balsa wood core which is then covered in plastic card, embosed from the inside to represent rib locations.

Try to track down the online copy and let me know how you get on.

I haven't seen the Lonestar model but I did contact Mike West (the owner and manufacturer/designer of Lonestar Models) for a copy. It is currently OOP, but Mike said he was thinking of bringing it back. I understand that the model is quite accurate and reasonanly well moulded, according to some who have it. Try contacting Mike to see if he is going to re-introduce it.

I've been working with Colin at Freightdog Models on decals, artwork and other bits for the new Blue Max M5 kit in 48th scale. It should be out in the next few months and may have resin and photo-etch parts included, although that is yet to be decided.

The Fly kit is very good in many areas, but the fuselage needs work to make it accurate.

Hello Rowan,
thank you for your answer! I'm just at the point of ordering the fly kit but maybe I'll wait for the blue max kit! I also bought the book of Harry because it didn't matter which picture or link I clicked on the dating site, no book 20 gbp including handling and shipping. I also saw prices up to 90 gbp!

I already found the winsock book of the Macchi so that's a start ;-) I normally build the 'fast' stuff but really like the flying boats. (and it is the only type of model my girlfriend will accept in the living room

Cheers!
Laurens

Rowan,
Please include me for two sets in 1/48 please!!

Geoff King

The Macchi M.5 sets are now available!

1/72nd Pegasus kits are still available via the Aviation Hobby Shop (at least I think so - they are still listed!)

http://www.tahs.com/

and the 1/48th Blue Max kit will be released by Freightdog Models soon!

Hello,

I used the Pheon decals and Pheon plan to build my 1/48 M5.









....and I'am very happy to have them!

Thank you Rowan.

The Macchi M5 building.


.

Excellent stuff Louis ! Your M5 looks really superb in Rowans Decals, and I'm sure you will work magic with the forthcoming Hanriots, I for one can't wait !

Thank you very much.