Silverstone 2

This is the same Moulding as the Nice N Model resin kit. Steve told me he was working with Round 2 to release the injection moulding version. Also a good thing really as I’ve built the resin version and the new offering looks to be more accurate with crisper detailing too. A lot more wallet friendly too. As the resin will set you back £300 + shipping and customs charges. Only snag is that Steve halved his actual Studio model offering and labelled it 1/350 scale. A big debate on this but at 350m long according to the research this Ktinga is actual more like 1/537. Klingon KTingas are longer thAn the Enterprise 1701/1701A (305m) if you don’t believe me? Have a good look on the web and watch the Undiscoverd Country. the KTinga’s & D7’s have 2 decks on the head unit. 1/350scale at 24” depicts a single deck so the Klingons can view at foot level or a thin slot above eye level. 1/537 @ 24” measures out to have 2 decks in height. So as you’d come to expect 2 rows of windows. if you want a 1/350 Klingon to go with the Enterprise. Than the 1/350 Bird of Prey seems correct scale comparison. my 200 pennies worth.

Changed over to Flickr

Been off the site for a while and just realised that i need to find another place to host images!

Straight edges and hull geometry are key for this to work

The Hull and it's integral geometry when built are extremely strong. The shape and structure is very tough and not too much extra support is required. Although some additional vertical support is required later before the superstructure buildings at the rear are mounted, this will prevent any sagging of the main hull where there is no support. Also the front section needs a rib too. As do the buildings need a few roof beams, due to sagging and warping of the relatively thin resin here. Once completed and all wrapped up, the ISD is strong as you'd ever need it to be. Trust me i've accidentally banged into almost every door frame in the house and it doesn't even care. The vertical braces ensure the superstructure can lay flat on the main hull without any gaps, just the way you need it to be!

I think it is important on this build to get the Geometry of the Hull correct before the build. All joining lines - Centre/Front/Middle join to need to square first. Basically the ISD is 2 Isosceles Triangles each made up of 2 Right angle triangles. These 4 major hull pieces need to be built up first in order to ensure they are completely flat on the surface detail side. This way all major seems/gaps & joins can be avoided. Then they simply lie on the internal structure, which yes did need a bit of reinforcement.

I am looking to get hold of the 1/350 Ktinga. Do you mind if I ask how you got yours? I have emailed the guy at Nice N Models but no reply. The website seems to suggest only US internal shipping? Phil

Thanks everyone for the lovely comments

I did finish this a while back at the End of January, just didn't get around to taking any photos. The 4 Arado 196 are all painted as well as the Ju88 A4 but i haven't completed the decals on those yet. But the Bismarck is Finished:-) The build can be seen here:

Oh yes, forgot to mention; I've actually flown in a Lancaster and a B-17G. So if you really want critique on Accuracy then I might be the right person? Truth being I'm just happy that HK are releasing amazing kits in this scale of these wonderful aircraft. Hopefully, everyone else will be too? No Critique required!

It's not about patience. It's about enjoying modelling! the Band of redline people you mention, perhaps should be more appreciative of what Model companies release. I'm quite sure modellers buy models because they enjoy the subject, and hopefully don't get dissuaded by critics. HK will do a good job as they have always done. There are a number of people that take this far too seriously and there really shouldn't be a need for it. life is too short!!! Sure accuracy is very important but not if it brings too much hesitation for model manufactures to actually release subjects. Talking of appreciation & Patience!!! I've been flying real aircraft for over half my life, I'm one of the very few people in the UK that flies the B747-8. I'm also a Type rating instructer and Examiner on 3 other types. Trust me when I say, There is enough people who love to over complicate things in aviation. There is really no need for it in modelling I hope you agree that modelling should be and needs to remain fun & interesting. A big thanks to Trumpeter, HK and others who are bold enough to take on these projects. Otherwise fans and hobbiests will eventually loose interest again! Like before. Then we will be back to the dark ages of 1/72 spitfires and 109s in cellophane bags. Plenty of RED LINE opportunities there for the critics!

I am not in agreement! the Lancaster was announced long ago. This Lancaster would be a real hit for 1/32 modellers. there is no such thing as a perfect injection scale model. No matter how popular the subject there is always someone to find a fault. for me I'm not that concerned with minor imperfections. The subject matter and 95-98% accuracy is more important. The Lancaster will be a great model if it has the attention to detail similar to the B17. Which no doubt it will. Trumpeter's new 1/16 Jagdtiger is a good example. Not 100% accurate! But who else is going to tackle such a large model subject. if we wait for a 100% perfect Lancaster we will wait too long and it will loose interest and momentum. All models present a work around for minor issues. And all advanced modellers are happy with this as it presents a bit more of a challenge. I hope it's released this year

Wow, good news I was hoping for an update on the Lancaster for a while. Renders certainly look promising I heard rumours that HK were looking to release the 1/32 Lancaster in Spring/summer this year? I really hope so, been looking forward to this release for a few years now.

Revell Aqua colour could be an option? How durable is the paint after curing and do you need to prime? I find Tamiya can go straight onto plastic without priming and sticks very well, which is what i want for small painting areas. Also do they all dry matt or is their any hint of Satin finishes?

Some progress on the BF-109 G6. Cockpit interior was XF 63 Tamiya 'German Grey' close to being a bit too dark. but OK after dry brushing. Revell really do make great models now with very crisp detail and good fit. Although i wish there choice of grey plast was not so light, almost white under the light. A medium-light grey like Trumpeter would be much better IMHO!