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Found 9 results

  1. Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-8 Spacecraft Great Wall Hobby (GWH) 1:48 History During the early part of the 1970's China initiated a space programme, titled "Shunguang-1", with the intention of developing and using their own craft and astronauts for space exploration. The first astronauts were selected in April 1971 but nothing came of it and the project was cancelled. The programme was restarted in 1985 with the intention of building their own space shuttle however, at that time, China did not have sufficient technological knowledge or experience for such an elaborate undertaking and the whole project was abandoned soon after. In order to continue their commitment for an indigenous space programme, China decided to build a spacecraft developed from the Russian Soyuz craft. With Russian co-operation the Chinese spacecraft, to be known as Shenzhou (various derivations but most popular 'Devine Craft'), could be built at a reasonable cost and to less protracted timescales. After long consultations, designs and re-designs, they were finally able to authorise a new project entitled "Programme 921/1" in 1992. The Shenzhou spacecraft was larger than the Soyuz craft but still looked outwardly similar and had some additional features that the Soyuz did not have; namely it would have it's own engines and docking system to allow for independent docking with a space station. the first craft, Shenzhou-1, was launched in November 1999 carried by a two-stage Long March rocket and was an unmanned test flight. Shenzhou-2 was launched in January 2001 and carried animals as part of the ongoing experiments towards eventually attaining manned spaceflight. Following improvements from lessons learned with the previous launches, Shenzhou-3 went into orbit in March 2002 and this time a test dummy was carried. A further launch with a test dummy, plus several onboard scientific experiments, was undertaken with Shenzhou-5 in December 2002. On 15 October 2003 Shenzhou-6 became the first Chinese built and manned spacecraft to be launched into orbit. The craft was crewed by Yang Liwei who travelled 14 earth orbits before returning safely. This was final recognition that China had achieved the status of being only the third country to succeed in their own manned space flight programme, following the USSR and USA. A second manned flight followed in October 2005 with a two-manned Shenzhou-6 craft during a five day mission with Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng as crew. China continued in their advances in technology and aeronautical capability by building and launching a 3 man craft, Shenzhou-7. As with the other launches, this craft was carried atop a Long March 2F rocket and the crew consisted of Zhai Zhiguang as commander with crewmembers Liu Buoming and Jing Haipeng. Although this mission only lasted 3 days it was deemed very successful in that it achieved the first space walk (EVA), undertaken by Chinese astronauts. The stage was now set for China to enter into the realms of building space stations, conducting experiments in space and looking beyond low-earth orbits in their quest for space travel. Two craft were to be built next; one would be a space station and the other a craft to dock and undock with it. The space station was titled Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) and the craft would be Shenzhou-8. The first space station, Tiangong-1 was launched 29 September 2011 and was placed into earth orbit in readiness to be docked with a spacecraft. Shenzhou-8 followed on 31 October and was an unmanned craft, the purpose of which was to test the abilility to automatically dock and undocking of a spacecraft with the space station. The tests went without a hitch and meant that the first manned mission to the space station was able to take place the following year with Shenzhou-9. Of special note for this mission was the first female Chinese crewmember Liu Yang. To bring the Chinese Space Programme up to date, June of this year (2013) has seen the launch and rendezvous at Tiangong-1 by Shenzhou-10. The crew, consisting of commander Nie Haisheng, with Shang Xiaoguang and Wang Yaping, are the last astronauts to dock with Tiangong-1 as the space station has accomplished its mission and will now go into orbital decay and eventually make a destructive re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. This is not the end of China's space station programme as two more space stations are being designed and constructed, with developments advancements learned from Tiangong-1, these will be named Tiangong-2 and Tiangong-3 respectively. They are due to be launched in 2015. Other Information from China is that they also have plans to start projects involving missions to the moon as from 2017 but such timescales currently look to be somewhat ambitious. The kits There are two complete kits in the box, one the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft and the other is the Tiangong-1 space station. The Shenzhou-8 kit is representative of the last development version of the Shenzhou spacecraft and has therefore become the standard design for future Shenzhou craft. This means that the kit can be built as version 8 or, with a few modifications, modelled as the 9 or latest 10 version. The box containing the kits is quite large, which would be expected for two 1:48 models, however there is no spare room within. There are 5 main sprues; two each for the Space Station and Spacecraft and one for the stand. There is also a small sprue containing connecting tubes for the solar panels. All the sprues are produced in a nice, sturdy, light-grey plastic and this review model does not show any signs of flash or warping. Some of the connecting pins/sections to the sprue frame are rather thick and, in some places, are thicker than the component attached to them. This means there is a possibility that a clean cut to separate these components may be difficult and require some filing and shaping to get a clean edge. Tiangong-1 Sprue A contains the larger parts of this space station, consisting of two fuselage halves and the solar panels. The surface detail is fair, with wiring and panel sections marked out in raised relief. It must be difficult to get full representation for this model as there isn't that much detail available of the actual vessels. Some of the reasons are that the craft are covered and enclosed on take-off plus, unlike the International Space Station and the Shuttles, there have not been any 'fly-bys' to get photographic details. Most of the images to be found available are mainly cgi drawing and generalised interpretations. The good new is that there are plenty of images available of the inside of the space station which means that this model can be extensively detailed inside if one wishes to do that. The second sprue has the front end plate (docking section); tail end (small rockets) and various booster units and communication antennas. These pieces have some very nice detail on them including the docking approach/guidance panel and capture ring. Shenzhou-8 The first sprue for the Shenzhou spacecraft, marked sprue C for this spacecraft, contains the Orbital Module; Service Module, with its solar panels, and a variety of thruster, booster, camera and antenna units for this spacecraft. The solar panels are modelled in the extended mode and have detailed representations of the small sensor cells on one side and the cabling and connectors on the other side. The panels can be assembled with the ability to be positioned at various angles, as the real thing would be aimed at sunlight, with the use of a connecting piece which runs through the fuselage; a somewhat similar process as connecting a prop spinner of an aircraft kit through fuselage to a retaining ring inside. The last sprue containing spacecraft parts has the Re-entry Module components; docking connector unit, base for the Service Module and its thrusters, plus hatch covers and other antenna pieces. Although the kit parts are sparse internally, it is such a large kit that there is plenty of scope to detail these with a bit of scratchbuilding and looking up images and schematics on the web. This kit comes with a rectangular base and two pedestals to hold the completed model, each craft has a hole for the tops of the pedestals to be set into. The base is a sturdy piece of plastic, as it needs to be for a model of this size and weight. An interesting aspect for this base is that one of the plinths fits into a movable slider and this allows for the plinths to be positioned for best balance when seating the model on the base. There is a small cutout in the centre of the base which holds a very nice nameplate in raised Chinese script. One final sprue contains pieces to make the tubes which are used to interconnect the left and right solar panel arrays, through the fuselage, for both the Service Module and the Space Station. This should allow the solar panels to be positioned at different attitudes rather than just flat out. Decals Three small decal sheets accompany the kit; two for the space station and one for the re-entry module of the spacecraft. Instructions and Colour Details The instruction and colour details are contained in an eight page booklet, with the introductory text in both chinese and english. It has the break down of parts and their assembly laid out in the illustrative method, which means the build process can be recognised internationally without the need to have elements of text translated into many languages. It also has some colourful details to help with markings and colours etc. Conclusion I mentioned before that this is a large kit and it really does look as if it is going to be of sturdy construction when it is completed. The model depicts the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft but, as that craft was the final major design for this, any of the subsequent craft (currently Shenzhou-9 and 10) could be built as they have all docked with the space station Tiangong-1. There is plenty of scope to add plenty of additonal detail internally, if you have that interest to research for the relevant information and images. IPMS members will be fortunate in that they will have received this months subscription magazine which contains an excellent build review of this kit by Keith McNeil. Finally, while checking the web for prices of this kit, I was pleasantly surprised at the retail price for such a large kit which should keep the space enthusiast happy for quite a while. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Buy it Now Kindly mention Britmodeller.com to the supplier when making enquiries or orders
  2. Dear Ship modelling experts I used to get all my Asian (Chinese) 1/700 ship kits and accessories from HobbyEasy. But now they seem to have gone! Luckymodel is an option but they don't carry much stock. Does anyone have any suggestions on a Chinese web retailer with a decent 1/700 stock? Thanks Andrew
  3. Hi everybody, I started to make the Hobby Boss 1:350 - PLAN Kilo class submarine WIPKilo001 by Rodolfo Masti, su Flickr Some technical info: The Kilo class is the NATO reporting name for a military diesel-electric submarine that is made in Russia. The original version of the vessels were designated Project 877 Paltus in Russia. There is also a more advanced version, designated as Improved Kilo in the west, and Project 636 Varshavyanka in Russia. The boats are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters. Original Project 877 boats are equipped with Rubikon MGK-400 sonar system, which includes a mine detection and avoidance sonar MG-519 Arfa. Newer Project 636 boats are equipped with improved MGK-400EM, with MG-519 Afra also upgraded to MG-519EM. The improved sonar systems have reduced the number of operators needed by sharing the same console via automation. Project 636, sometimes called "The Black Hole" by the US Navy for its uncanny ability to "disappear", is thought to be one of the quietest diesel-electric submarine classes in the world. Type warship SSK - Attack Submarine Displacement 3.000 tons Crew 52 complement Length 70,00 meters Beam 9,90 meters Draught 6,20 meters Speed 20,0 knots Range 13.900 Km Propulsion 2 X Diesel resulting in 6.800HP Weapons 4 Missile 3M-54E Klub-N (AN; range:220 km; speed:3000 km/h; caliber:533 mm;) 18 Torpedo YU-6/9 (AN-ASW; range:45 km; speed:65 km/h; caliber:533 mm;) I would make a Kilo-class submarine #372 Yuǎnzhēng 72 Hao of PLA Navy First steps: WIPKilo002 by Rodolfo Masti, su Flickr WIPKilo003 by Rodolfo Masti, su Flickr Assembled, painted and ... ready for weathering ... WIP-Kilo001 by Rodolfo Masti, su Flickr WIP-Kilo002 by Rodolfo Masti, su Flickr WIP-Kilo003 by Rodolfo Masti, su Flickr WIP-Kilo004 by Rodolfo Masti, su Flickr
  4. This is the Hasegawa kit in 1/72. It's not a bad model, although I did have some issues fitting the engine nacelles that required a bit of filling and sanding, otherwise things went together well. Chinese markings come from the spares box with the fin flash being masked and painted. Surprisingly, the colour picture which my build is based on shows the aircraft in a reasonable condition, thus I chose not to highlight all the panel lines, just those around the engines as they appeared a bit grimey. I am lacking some white numbers on the tail, I couldn't find small enough decals in the spares.
  5. In between decalling my Lightning I've dug this out of the Three Boxes of Doom as my third entry. Reference from the excellent walk round HERE. I accidentally deleted the 'as found' photo but it would have been a sorrier sight. While waiting for decal solutions to dry I've moved the project on a bit by; Realigning the suspension so the tracks are parallel, vertical and match left to right. Realising the mistake was likely the reason it entered the Boxes of Doom. Using the Hauler etched grill set for the Tamiya kit I replaced the engine cover grills so the lovely detail beneath can be seen. It's a perfect fit on the HB kit BTW. The transmission grill cover is recovered from a recycled Tamiya kit. The mudguards are Hauler as well. I put them on then realised that they were too perfect. Off they came to be refitted slightly misaligned as just about every photo showed them to be. As moulded the engine covers fit too far forward. Removing 0.5mm from the top edge of the flange on the central section of the hull top combined with removing the locating pegs and the added lump inside the cover front edges meant it all fits as it should. The side covers should align with the transverse panel line at the rear of the fighting compartment, not be about 1.0mm in front of it.... Forwards Fraternal Socialist Comrades!
  6. Hi all, I've just completed the another Airfix Mig, this time from the club kit that came with a sabre (Will be uploading a RFI soonish) Once again criticism welcome
  7. Thats the moment wnen ,after waiting a couple of weeks for a new space kit to arrive...it comes ,and you realise ive already got that kit only in 1/48, and its come pre painted...........DAMN note to self..........READ THE ADVERT BEFORE PRESSING PAY NOW....LOL
  8. Chinese Type 83 SPG Trumpeter 1:35 History The Chinese Type 83 Self Propelled Gun was designed around the requirements the PLA issued in the late 70’s for a modern Self-Propelled Artillery Gun. Its design wasn’t one started from scratch, but the amalgamation of existing systems used by the PLA. The main gun was a further development by 127 Factory in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province of the Type 66 152mm Towed Gun-Howitzer. The factory also developed the semi-automatic loading system. The tracked chassis was a further development by 674 Factory in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, of the Type 321. The factory also served as the principal contractor. The first prototype was completed in 1980 and a modified second prototype was built in July 1981, with field trials ending in 1982 and entered production in 1983. Elevation of the main gun is +62 to 0 degrees and can fire a number of munitions including high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cluster projectiles with fragmentation sub-munitions and base gas bleed, and indigenous laser-guided 152mm projectile (Russian Krasnopol laser-guided projectile technology was purchased by China in the 90’s). 30 rounds can be stored in the turret with a 5 rounds per min rate of fire. For close encounters, the vehicle is equipped with a roof mounted 12.7mm (50cal.) MG for AA and a Type 69 RPG is carried in the turret. The vehicle uses a WR4B-12V150LB four-stroke liquid-cooled diesel engine, generating 520hp giving a maximum road speed of 55km/h and an operational range of 450km. It’s currently in service with the PLA and each artillery regiment has a Type 83 battalion, which operates 18 vehicles. The Model The kit comes in the standard Trumpeter style box, although, unlike the Indian T-90S reviewed HERE the box for the Type 83 is only about half as deep. The boxart depicts a Type 83 travelling in convoy across some pretty barren grassland. Inside there are nine sprues of light grey styrene, which is also used for the separate upper and lower hulls. There is also a clear acetate sheet, a small sheet of etched brass, sixteen poly caps and a small decal sheet. Trumpeter seem to have their armoured vehicle kits pretty much weighed off as the mouldings are usually very clean, with no flash or other imperfections, although they do tend to have quite a few moulding pips on the smaller parts which can be annoying, even if they are necessary. Construction begins with the drilling of eight holes in the front face of the lower hull, followed by the fitting of the rear bulkhead and, rather unusually the drivers seat, which is made up of the squab, backrest and two levers. The bump stops and shock absorbers for the front and rear suspension units are attached to the sides, followed by the torsion units. Each of the return rollers are made up of two parts, whilst the road wheels are made up from inner and outer wheels with a poly cap sandwiched in-between. The sprocket wheels are each made up form three parts, the inner and outer toothed wheels and a middle plain wheel. With all the wheels assembled they can be pushed onto their respective axles. The tracks provided are of the rubber band style, the ends of which are fixed together either by melting the pins or glued. They are pretty well moulded and since the real vehicle appears to have quite tight tracks, these will work pretty well, without the hassle of building them out of individual links. Next up are several sub assemblies, most concentrating on the various storage boxes for the upper hull in six different styles. The radiator grille actually has a radiator included in this kit, made up from four parts, which is then fitted to the underside of the radiator decking and covered with a PE grille cover. Before any of the storage boxes and other items can be fitted to the upper hull there are thirty eight holes to open up. The storage boxes are then attached, followed by the track guard supports, drivers vision ports, large access hatch, drivers hatch, three piece gun cradle and turret ring extensions. The radiator sub-assembly is then fitted to the front deck, along with the two piece lights, reflectors, and two piece snorkel. Two PE intake grilles are fitted to their respective positions, as are the two front towing hooks, idler gear cover, spare track links, whilst at the rear two more tow hooks are attached, rear lights, reflectors, and the rear door. The main howitzer is made up from multiple parts, with the two piece breech, two piece trunnion, and two piece barrel. The trunnion is attached to the breech, which is then attached to the mantle, followed by an attachment ring to which the barrel is fitted. Each of the two recuperators also come in two parts and fitted to the underside of the barrel. The shell carriage is then assembled from six parts, then attached to the top of the breech. The three piece recoil tube is attached to the rear of the trunnion and the two trunnion mounts. The elevation wheel and its gearbox made up from three parts and fitted to the left hand trunnion mount. A nice feature is this kit actually has some interior, not much, but certainly something that could be used as a basis for something more complete. The turret floor is fitted out with three seats and their supports along with the training motor and gearbox. Inside the turret there are three radio sets, a mid mounted bulkhead with the shell storage holes, storage box, gunners vision block, and six clear acetate parts for the commanders cupola vision blocks. The howitzer sub-assembly is then attached to the turret, followed by the turret floor. The turret then has seven grab handles fitted around the top, along with the side access hatch, commanders hatch and machine gun mount, plus the ventilation mushroom, pioneer tools, large storage box, aerial base and rear hatch. The KPV heavy machine gun consists of the single piece gun, three part firing mechanism, three piece elevation mounting, cocking handle, and three piece ammunition case. The completed machine gun mounting is the attached to the front of the commanders cupola, after which the completed turret can be fitted to the completed hull along with the towing cable, completing the build. The small decal sheet contains markings for various vehicles but with only one colour scheme Conclusion Trumpeter seems to be quite good at releasing Chinese vehicles and have a fair number in their catalogue. This is a very nice kit and although it is reminiscent of other self propelled guns it is different enough to be of interest and would make a great companion piece with others of its ilk. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of UK Distributors for
  9. Chinese PLA Type 59 130mm Towed Field Gun Trumpeter 1:35 History The PLA Type 59 is a licensed built copy of the Soviet M-46 gun which was developed from the M-36 130 mm naval gun used on ships and for coast defence. It is a true gun, being unable to fire much above 45° and having a long barrel and a single propelling charge. It has a 52 calibre barrel with a tied jaw horizontal sliding block breach and ‘pepperpot’ muzzle brake. The latter is not notably efficient, but subjective reports suggest that it is quite effective in reducing muzzle flash. The hydro-pneumatic recoil system comprises a buffer below the barrel and a recuperator above the barrel. The long barrel enables a substantial propelling charge by providing more length in which to achieve ‘all-burnt’ and hence projectile acceleration space and thus achieve its 930 m/s muzzle velocity. The barrel is mounted on a split-trail carriage, with deep box section trails and foam filled road wheels on the ground when firing and 50° of top traverse. The small shield protects little more than the sights, possible including from the effects of muzzle blast, and some protection from machine gun fire in anti-tank engagements. The gun has long and robust trails to provide stability when firing, a large detachable spade is fitted to the end of each when the gun is brought into action. Non-reciprocating sights are standard Soviet pattern, designed for one-man laying. Included are a direct fire anti-tank telescope, a panoramic periscopic indirect-fire sight (a dial sight) in a reciprocating mounting, an angle of sight scale, and a range drum engraved with the range (distance) scale, coupled to a mounted elevation levelling bubble. The range drum enables the standard Soviet technique of semi-direct fire when the piece is laid visually on the target and the range set on the range drum. An APN-3 was later provided for direct fire at night in place of the day telescope. For travel, the gun is towed via a two-wheeled limber fitted to the end of the closed trails, with the spades removed and carried on each trail. Simple jacks on the trails just behind the main wheels are used to lift and support the closed trails so that the limber can be connected. The barrel and recuperator are pulled back between the closed trails and locked in a travelling position. There is a large bicycle chain arrangement on the right trail for this, and a compressed air cylinder, charged by the gun firing, is used to bring the barrel forward when the gun is brought back into action. It takes about four minutes to bring the gun into action; the normal detachment is eight strong. Propelling charges are in metal cartridge cases and loaded separately from the projectile. Projectiles originally included HE fragmentation, Armour Piercing solid shot, and smoke, illuminating and chemical. HE shells weigh some 33 kg. Illuminating shells have a substantially lower muzzle velocity. APHE and extended range shells were introduced later. Maximum rate of fire is probably 6-7 rounds/minute, and about 70 rounds/hour. The Model The kit comes in Trumpeters standard top opening, and quite attractive box, with an artistic representation of the gun in action. Inside there are eight sprues of beige coloured styrene, almost the colour of a Caramac candy bar. There are also a set of two rubber tyres, two separate trail legs, a small etch sheet and a small decal sheet. The parts are really well moulded with no flash and only a few moulding pips needing removal. Although not to everyones taste, the rubber tyres are nicely done with finely moulded details on both the tread and the sidewalls. The build begins with the heart of the mount, the central casting, onto which the two axles, base, ancillary hydraulic unit, various hooks, handles, and other fittings attached to it. On the underside the turntable is attached to the casting by a large pivot and a couple of connecting arms with the turntable also being fitted with a couple of handles. This assembly is put to one side whilst the gun is put together. The rear of the barrel is assembled from upper and lower halves and fitted with the elevating ratchet mechanism, to this the three piece breech block is assembled and slid into the breech part, which is then completed with the addition of three outer plates before being attached to the rear barrel section. The recuperator mounts are then fitted to the front of the breech and the rear of the barrel. Each of the two recuperators are then attached to their mounts, followed by the breech handle and protective plate. Next up is the complex sight, which is made up of no less than thirteen parts. This is then attached to the left side of the breech/rear barrel assembly along with the recuperators protective top cover and left hand breech panel. The barrel, which seems disproportionally long, is also provided in upper and lower halves, to which the two part muzzle brake is attached before the barrel is fitted to the breech assembly. Turning the barrel assembly upside down the two elevation springs are attached, before turning the barrel right side up and fitting the trunnion with moulded on sprocket, and trunnion mounts which are in turn attached to the central casting and fitted out with numerous unidentifiable fixtures and fittings. The two, two piece trails are fitted out with barrel cleaning rods, pioneer tools, clamps, hooks, handles and the five piece jockey wheels and, on the right hand trail the towing eye. The trails are then fitted with their top plate so that the two parts slide over the top and bottom pivots on the central casting. The two spades that fit to the rear of the trails are fitted with a selection of handles and attachments with the option of positioning them in the traveling position. The wheels are then assembled from the rubber tyres plus inner and outer hubs, (the inner hubs are fitted with a brake accumulators, pipework and linkages), before being fitted to the axles. Before fitting the two splinter shields, of which there are optional styles to choose from, they need to be fitted with the binocular and map boxes, support arms, sighting/viewing port doors and three PE handles, before being attached to he front of the gun mount.Finally the elevation wheel is attached, along with a couple of locking handles at the end of the trails, completing the build. If you wish to build this kit as part of a diorama Trumpeter have included a small fret which contains a wooden shell box with separate lid and PE corner protectors, plus a separate shell and charge case The small decal sheet provides just two decals, one showing the elevation/range chart is positioned on the left hand side of the breech, whilst the other appears to show the gun arrangement and is positioned near the top of the right hand splinter shield. Conclusion I really like these field guns from Trumpeter and this one is just great. There is plenty of detail and from the quick bit of research it looks pretty accurate. Whether it’s used in firing or travel mode this will look great in a diorama although it will need a suitable tractor to go with it. The only disappointment is that the gun crew aren’t included, although I’m sure Trumpeter will release a separate set of troops at some point. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of UK Distributors for
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