caughtinthemiddle

Build review: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-48-nakajima-a2n3-a-b-k-models-budowa/

First look at dedicated masks from Eduard and IP from Yahu Models: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-48-reggiane-re-2005-dodatki/

Review of several upgrades released by Eduard and Yahu Models (with comparison to kit's parts): https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-48-p-38-f-g-lightning-tamiya-waloryzacje/

The latest release from Mushroom Model Publications covers the neat Italian WW2 fighter, Macchi C.205 Veltro. Przemysław Skulski prepared yet another useful source of information for both the modeller and aircraft afficionado, filled with mostly sharp and crips period photos (inc. a few in colour), a set of scale drawings in 1/48 and 1/72 scale (featuring the rivet detail), and a great section devoted to the museum exhibits, which features numerous walkaround-type pictures supplemented with drawings taken from the aircraft manuals. The main text discusses the development of Veltro and its service with various domestic and foreign users, including a description of camouflage and markings applied to their machines. The latter is supplemented with no less than 18 pages of colour profiles showing the variery of liveries carried by the C.205. All this makes this book a handy reference on this somehow forgotten aircraft, especially recommended for the scale modellers. Video preview by the publisher: Some photos from me:

Not sure about Special Hobby but I know that one of Ukrainian manufacturers obtained a copy of the book, so there is some hope...

Review of dedicated accessory sets from Eduard and Yahu Models (inc. some building tips): https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-72-yakovlev-yak-1b-arma-hobby-dodatki/

Inbox review of the "Jabo" boxing: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-48-jabo-fw-190a-eduard/

980 Kč directly from the manufacturer, which is roughly 40 euros: https://www.abkmodels.cz/Nakajima-A2N3-1-48-d1.htm

Inbox reviews of the JA-37 boxing: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-72-saab-ja-37-viggen-special-hobby/ and various CMK update sets: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-72-saab-viggen-waloryzacje-cmk/

Ditto. BTW, Dominik probably has little interest in post-WW2 aviation as otherwise he would knew that the recently released MiG-21PFM has only two sprues common with the previous releases (and large parts of their contents goes to the spares box), and three fully new ones - quite a lot of changes for 'nothing new'...

Marking options of the standard edition: Source: https://www.facebook.com/ibgmodels/posts/2835470473241245

Considering the quality of English language used in AZ's instructions and boxes...Let's say that in their English this means 'what if' markings.

It is actually mentioned in the lower right corner of the painting guide ("Alternative markings"). Inbox review of D4Y5 Suisei "Judy" night fighter boxing: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-72-yokosuka-d4y5-judy-night-fighter-az-model/

Inbox review of P-40E "Claws and Teeth" boxing: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-72-p-40e-claws-and-teeth-special-hobby/

Thanks! Next batch of news will hopefully be available this spring.

Exito Decals is proud to announce the first new releases in 2020. The seventh decal set is entitled “Yak Attack” and includes markings for three striking Yak-1b fighters, just in time for the recently released Arma Hobby, Brengun (1/72) and Zvezda (1/48) kits: - Yakovlev Yak-1b, flown by Capt. Vladimir P. Pokrovskiy of 2nd GIAP / 6th IAD, Air Force of the Northern Fleet, probably late 1943. - Yakovlev Yak-1b, coded ‘White 42’, flown by Snr. Lt. Garri A. Merkviladze of 152nd GIAP / 12th GIAD, 1st Ukrainian Front, Germany, spring 1945. - Yakovlev Yak-1b, most likely coded ‘White 20’, flown by Snr. Lt. Fotiy Y. Morozov of 31st GIAP / 6th GIAD, 4th Ukrainian Front, first half of 1944. None of these marking options have previously been reproduced in decals in an accurate manner. The instruction sheets include photos of all depicted aircraft, some of which you may have never seen before, or at least not reproduced in this quality. This set is available directly from the manufacturer: - in 1/48 scale: https://exito.site/en_GB/p/EXITO-DECALS-ED48007-148-Yak-Attack-Yakovlev-Yak-1b/52856 - in 1/72 scale: https://exito.site/en_GB/p/EXITO-DECALS-ED72007-172-Yak-Attack-Yakovlev-Yak-1b/52858 1/48 sheet: 1/72 sheet: P-51D Mustang obviously became one of the most popular modelling subjects of the last few months. Exito decided to join the trend with the new sheet entitled “Yoxford Girls”, which covers three P-51Ds from the famous 357th Fighter Group, all featuring some sexy nose art: - P-51D-5-NA, s/n 44-13712, flown by Capt. Robert W. Foy of 363rd FS / 357th FG, Leiston, UK, late July-early August 1944. - P-51D-5-NA, s/n 44-13691, flown by Lt. Arval J. Roberson of 362nd FS / 357th FG, Leiston, UK, early autumn 1944. - P-51D-20-NA, s/n 44-63629, flown by Lt. John A. Miller of 363rd FS / 357th FG, Leiston, UK, late spring 1945. ‘Shady Lady’ has never been reproduced in decal form before, whilst ‘Passion Wagon’ did not receive enough attention from other manufacturers. Instruction sheets include photos of all depicted aircraft. This set is available directly from the manufacturer: - in 1/48 scale: https://exito.site/en_GB/p/EXITO-DECALS-ED48008-148-Yoxford-Girls-North-American-P-51D-Mustang/52857 - in 1/72 scale: https://exito.site/en_GB/p/EXITO-DECALS-ED72008-172-Yoxford-Girls-North-American-P-51D-Mustang/52859 1/48 sheet: 1/72 sheet: As previously, the decal sheets are printed by industry leader, Cartograf of Italy, which ensures top printing quality and ease of application. These are complemented by instructions that differ from the plain market standard. What you get are essentially high quality posters with accurate and inspiring illustrations. Each subject is presented on an A4-sized sheet, with large side aircraft profiles printed on the front, and the remaining artwork, photos and all necessary information laid out on the rear side. This way you not only get some cool decals for your model kit, but also attractive posters to adorn your man cave, at the same time! Next releases are already in preparation – please follow Exito on FB not to miss the latest news: https://www.facebook.com/Exito-Decals

Well, the choice of C-3 is logical, because a number of these could be identified on photos known from many years, whilst until the two photos linked below appeared on Evilbay two-three years ago: https://me109.info/display.php?a=e&fid=12580 https://me109.info/display.php?a=e&l=en&fid=12653 there was no photographic proof of C-1's existence known to me - as they are indistinguishable from D-1s unless we could see the engine, or - as on the linked pictures - we see no MG FF bulge under the wing and serial number or Stammkennzeichen that identify the aircraft as a Bf 109 C. It is unknown how many C-1s and C-3s existed, we only know the total C production: 58 machines. BTW, the '11' in the Modelsvit kit should actually be yellow with thin black outline. They correctly identified the unit of this aircraft (3./ZG 2), but provided white numbers for a 1./ZG 2 machine. This aircraft, WNr. 1722, was crashed by Obfw. Kurt Müller on the first day of the Polish Campaign (recorded as 'yellow 11'). This actually was surprising for me, as on the other hand, in their D-1 they offer the only accurate markings for Mölders' '6-79' that I'm aware of (with the correct number of victory bars and 'Luchs' inscription on the starboard side only, i.e. features that were constantly shown wrong in decals, colour profiles and book cover artwork for many years).

Note that these images were only used for illustration purposes on the conference, the exact marking options has not been considered and chosen yet.

Marking options for Romanian boxing:

Inbox review of ref. 92238: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-72-bucker-bu-131-b-rs-models/

I received the book this week. I must admit that at first glance I'm really impressed: lots of sharp and fairly large photos, 1/72 scale drawings featuring rivet rows represented where appropriate, and several nice colour profiles. The factory photos revealing numerous construction details are of particular interest. The main text covers the Shark's background, development, service in FAA, RAF, RCAF and PNAS, and colours & markings. Basic technical data and a listing of units using these aircraft are also included. To my knowledge, this book is the most complete reference on the Blackburn Shark available, recommended! Kit manufacturers, take note too! Some sample images:

Inbox review: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-72-junkers-ef-128c-az-model/

As I find some people becoming ridiculous in their crusade against Arma whatever the latter does (and before I go further, I would like to note one more aspect: Arma is now being criticized for strictly following the drawings that are considered the most accurate. I'm pretty sure that if they didn't follow them, the jihad would be twice more intensive :) ), I decided to ask the original source. This is what Sergey Kuznetsov answered: "Neither of the factory drawings used (in this thread) are a scan from the original drawings (these are polygraphic and photo copies), which therefore may result in various distortions in the first place, and in particular, the shapes. Before the publication of the drawings in the English edition of Kagero, naturally, more than one wingtip drawing went through my hands. Based on the materials and sizes found, Sasha Rusetskiy built a 3D model of the Yak-1 (for linking problem areas in my drawings from 1995, which have become known over the past time, and of which the modelers themselves told), and then this was used to make 2D drawings at different scales. Therefore, the drawings of 2016 turned out to be as precise as possible, finalized and close to the original. To avoid any disputes about distortion in 2D drawings, dimensioned drawings were specially provided separately from them. Using these, everyone can optionally build their own exact model of the machine. The process has not ended, new documents are found and drawings are being updated on their basis. Discussions about the "millimeter" and "shades of green" amongst the modellers will never end. They would have seen an agreement with the Air Force, which gives tolerances of 0.2% for all linear dimensions of the machine. In other words, the wing span of the serial Yak-1 could be 10020 and 9980 (139.2 and 138.6, respectively, in 1:72 scale). However, I am glad that our drawings have already begun to be compared not with the drawings of Luranc, but with the original, as it should be ;)"

Inbox review: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-48-re-2005-sagittario-sword/

Inbox reviews of PZL W-3A Sokół "Czech Air Force" boxing: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-48-pzl-w-3a-sokol-czech-air-force-answer/ and dedicated Yahu Models set: https://www.kfs-miniatures.com/1-48-pzl-w-3t-sokol-yahu-models/