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Hi All, This was a quickie build after I received the kit completely FREE courtesy of the very generous Mr Canberra Fan! It's the Trumpeter kit with some Eduard PE and the quite marvellous Cutting Edge cockpit set. (boy I miss Cutting Edge!) It's done as an Egyptian Air Force jet from the 1967 War. Brush painted in Gunze Sangyo Mr Metal Color of various shades. I think the decals were from Eagle Strike. As always, pictures courtesy of Farnborough IPMS website. http://www.ipms-farnborough.co.uk/gallery/d/10850-2/DSCF8668.JPG http://www.ipms-farnborough.co.uk/gallery/d/10855-2/DSCF8669.JPG http://www.ipms-farnborough.co.uk/gallery/d/10859-2/DSCF8670.JPG http://www.ipms-farnborough.co.uk/gallery/d/10864-2/DSCF8671.JPG Alan

SPECIAL THANKS to Bootneck, without whom this build would not have been possible - Wonderland Models are having some snags with Trumpeter shipping, so my order has yet to be delivered; Mike stepped in and offered to lend me the same kit from his stash. Top man! The statutory box etc shot; line-up as follows: Trumpeter 1/48 Sea Hawk Mk 6 Quick Boost jet pipes WolfPack wing fold set Eduard mask and PE interior detail An old Aeroclub white metal MB Mk 2 bang seat that I have had for ages and should be perfect for this. Model Alliance Royal Navy Aerobatics Display Teams decals set (those who are following the Helicopter GB will recognise that my 705 NAS Sharks Gazelle is from the same set)

Russian BM-21 Grad Trumpeter 1:35 History The M-21 Field Rocket Systems with a BM-21 launch vehicle (122 mm multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system entered service with the Soviet Army in 1963 to replace the aging 140 mm BM-14 system. The launch vehicle consists of a Ural-375D six-by-six truck chassis fitted with a bank of 40 launch tubes arranged in a rectangular shape that can be turned away from the unprotected cab. The vehicle is powered by a water-cooled V-8 180 hp gasoline engine, has a maximum road speed of 75 km/h (47 mph), road range of up to 750 kilometres (470 mi), and can cross fords up to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) deep. The original vehicle together with supporting equipment (including the re-supply truck 9T254 with 60 rockets) is referred to by the GRAU index 9K51; the launcher itself has the industrial index of 2B5. In 1976, the BM-21 was mounted on the newer Ural-4320 six-by-six army truck. The crew of five men can emplace the system and have it ready to fire in three minutes. The crew can fire the rockets from the cab or from a trigger at the end of a 64-metre (210 ft) cable. All 40 rockets can be away in as little as 20 seconds, but can also be fired individually or in small groups in several-second intervals. A PG-1M panoramic telescope with K-1 collimator can be used for sighting. The BM-21 can be packed up and ready to move in two minutes, which can be necessary when engaged by counter-battery fire. Reloading is done manually and takes about 10 minutes. Each 2.87-metre (9 ft 5 in) rocket is slowly spun by rifling in its tube as it launches, which along with its primary fin stabilization keeps it on course. Rockets armed with high explosive/fragmentation, incendiary, or chemical warheads can be fired 20 kilometres (12 mi). Newer high explosive and cargo (used to deliver anti-personnel or antitank mines) rockets have a range of 30 kilometres (19 mi) and more. Warheads weigh around 20 kilograms (44 lb), depending on the type. The relative accuracy of this system and the number of rockets each vehicle is able to quickly bring to bear on an enemy target make it effective, especially at shorter ranges. One battalion of eighteen launchers is able to deliver 720 rockets in a single volley. However, the system cannot be used in situations that call for pinpoint precision. Th Model This is really a great age in which to be a modeller of Russian vehicles as there seems to be a shed load of new releases recently and more in the pipeline. Seemingly at the forefront of this resurgence is Trumpeter with some superb and interesting kits. The latest from them is the BM-21 Grad 122mm Multiple Rocket Launcher. Contained in the now standard Trumpeter sturdy top opening box, there are twelve sprues of grey styrene and one of clear, there is also a small sheet of etched brass. The quality of Trumpeters kits seems to be getting better and better with each release and this is shown with the BM-21. The parts are very well moulded with no sign of flash with the only exception being the moulding pips on quite a few parts, particularly most of the smaller parts which can be a bind to clean up without breaking them. Construction begins with the assembly of the chassis with the main chassis rails, crossbeams, radiator, oil cooler and fan guard. The engine assembly is a complex affair, with the block being made up of four parts to which the cylinder head, crankcase, cam cases, water pump, oil pump, fan belt and fan are attached. The separate gearbox is slightly simpler being in two halves to which a short drive shaft is fitted. The completed engine and gearbox are then attached to the chassis along with two more crossbeams. The rear suspension mounts and leaf spring units are fitted to the cross-shaft fitted earlier. In the centre of the chassis a transfer box, made up of four parts is fitted with another short driveshaft which is attached to the main gearbox. Two differentials with axles are assembled and fitted to the chassis along with their respective driveshafts followed by the assembly of the fuel tank, fuel tank supports, am equipment box with supports and footstep which are then also fitted to the chassis rails. Construction of the front suspension is then carried out with the leaf springs, front differential and shock absorbers. The wheels are each made up of internal and external hub halves, with the internal halves fitted with the brake discs. The completed wheels are then shod with the chunky rubber tyres which look just right for a large truck. These are then attached to the axles, the front wheels also having the steering rack and pistons. The build up of the cab starts with the construction of the drivers seat which is made up of squab, two part frame, backrest and separate cushion, plus the two armrests which can be pose either up or down. The seat assembly is then attached to the cab floor along with the fixed passenger seat squab, handbrake leaver, throttle, clutch and brake pedals. The rear of the cab comes in inner and outer skins with a clear rear window. This is attached to the rear of the cab floor with the passenger back cushion fitted to the rear cab wall. The dashboard is a complex affair with etched brass air vents on the top, several switches and knobs to the instrument panel, decals for the instruments and what looks like a sighting/training unit for the passenger side, made up of 10 parts. The completed dashboard is then glued to the windscreen moulding and the windscreens are attached. The steering wheel/column, gears stick and transfer stick are fitted to the cab floor before the front of the cab is attached to the rear. To this assembly the two door steps are added as are the doors, made up of outer skin, door card, window, window winder and rope handle. Externally the door handles are attached and a three part air filter is fitted to the passenger side just forward of the door. To complete the cab, the roof is added, s are the windscreen wipers engine bay wings, and the wheel arch wings with added light clusters. The completed cab assembly is then fitted to the chassis along with the radiator and bumper two hooks, followed by the fitting of the seven part exhaust system to the right hand side chassis rail just behind the cab. Aft of the cab there is a spare wheel rack made up of seven parts into which the spare wheel, of inner and outer hubs between the rubber tyre, slots into. Two straps and three PE parts hold the wheel in place. To the rear of the spare tyre holder there is a large deck area, consisting of upper, side and rear parts which go to make up a box section. Onto this there are two large storage boxes attached followed by the bottom support rails which attach the assembly to the chassis rails. The next stage is the construction of the rocket launcher turntable which consists of a single piece top and four piece bottom parts. To this assembly the tilting mechanism floor, ratchet and elevation arms are attached. The rocket tubes are made up of four eight tube assemblies, as each eight tube section is made up of two halves, which, once joined together are finished off with the firing caps at the closed end. To each side of the main block are two four tube assemblies, constructed in the same way as the larger units. With all the tubes joined together, forming a forty tube block, the bottom and side plates are added to the open end of the tubes whilst a strap is added to the middle. The completed assembly is then attached to the elevation table. To this several control manual control wheels and sub assemblies are attached. Finally the rear decking in constructed. This consists of the main decking, under decking turntable mount, forward footplate and the rear mudguards. Final assembly is the attachment of the rear decking to the chassis rails, the rocket launcher assembly, engine air filter, bonnet , headlights and wing mirrors. Etch The small etch fret provides the air vents for the cab, straps for the spare wheel, parts for the launcher manual controls, rear chassis plate, support webs for the platform just aft of the spare wheel, and several handles for around the truck. Decals There is a small decal sheet with only the instrument cluster, and a pair of Russian shield emblems and two unidentifiable decals for which I can find no mention on the instructions. Conclusion This is another superb kit from Trumpeter who are really upping their game when it comes to this genre of models. The kit looks like it will build into a quite imposing model and would look great in a diorama, particularly with two or more together in a firing position. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Here's my 1/48 Trumpeter Mig-23, lovely kit very well detailed, I assume with a better modeller you can get much more out of it. I'm aware the pics are not good but with the light I have now it's what can I get Cheers!

My entry into this GB, like the FAA GB I can't promise this will even get started let alone finished, but I would like to take part anyway, I might just surprise myself! Just the box shot for now, will get more up over the next few days.. This will be built OOB unless I decide to throw some resin at it half way through (money depending too!), the scheme chosen will be the USN Air Reserve, Ohio 1951.

HMS Montrose Type 23 Frigate Trumpeter 1:350 The current HMS Montrose is the eighth of the sixteen ship Type 23 or 'Duke' class of frigates, of the Royal Navy, named after the Duke of Montrose. She was laid down in November 1989 by Yarrow Shipbuilders on the Clyde, and was launched on 31 July 1992 by Lady Rifkind (when, as Mrs Edith Rifkind, her husband Sir Malcolm Rifkind was Secretary of State for Defence). She commissioned into service in June 1994. HMS Montrose is part of the Devonport Flotilla, based in Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth. Deployments in the 1990s include her first trip to the South Atlantic, as Falkland Islands Guard ship, which ended in October 1996. Her first visit to the City of Dundee was in Easter 1997. Several NATO deployments followed, and in early 2002, Montrose returned to the Falklands on the now-renamed Atlantic Patrol Task (South) deployment, during which divers from Montrose replaced the White Ensign on Antelope, which was sunk during the Falklands War. On her return from this deployment, she conducted her first refit period (RP1), which was completed in early January 2004. Montrose deployed in 2006 to the Persian Gulf on Operation Telic in the first half of 2006. After returning to the UK for personnel changes and maintenance, from 8 January to 27 July 2007, Montrose then deployed for seven months to the Mediterranean Sea as the UK contribution to the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2). As part of this group, she participated in NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour (OAE), countering terrorist activity in the Mediterranean and preventing smuggling and other illegal activity. After Summer Leave, the ship headed to Scotland to take part in Exercise Neptune Warrior, during which time she was visited by Prince Michael of Kent, Honorary Rear Admiral of the Royal Naval Reserve, on 24 September 2007. Following Operational Sea Training, Montrose deployed again to the Middle East on 12 March 2008 to join Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, operating in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Activity in this deployment included Exercise KhunjarHaad, a multi-national exercise held in the Gulf of Oman, and (working with Chatham, Edinburgh and RFA Argus the seizure of over 23 tonnes of drugs including cocaine, hashish, amphetamines and opiates. She returned home on 3 October 2008, and after operating in UK waters, commenced a £15,000,000 upkeep package at Rosyth in early 2009. This second refit package (RP2) included a number of major capability upgrades for the ship, including the first fitting of the Royal Navy’s newest command system, DNA(2), and the replacement of the two old manually-operated 30mm guns with two 30mm DS30M Mark 2 Guns. Having rejoined the ship on 20 July 2009, the Ship's Company conducted post-refits trials until January 2010, and Montrose was formally accepted back into the Fleet on 11 February 2010. After operational sea training Montrose deployed to Arabian Sea in summer 2010 to conduct anti-piracy operations, highlights of which included the November 2010 destruction of a Somalian pirate ship by the ships Lynx helicopter while on patrol off the coast of Somalia and the disruption of several pirate attacks on merchant ships. In October 2011, Montrose deployed again to the South Atlantic, during which she was due to visit Callao, Peru in March 2012, but the Peruvian government cancelled the visit, according to the Foreign Minister, as a gesture of solidarity with Argentina over the Falklands. After visits to New Orleans and Bermuda in March and April 2012, Montrose returned to the UK in May 2012. In July 2012, the ship acted as the escort vessel for HM the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee visit to Cowes. The Model The kit comes packaged in a very sturdy box with an artists representation of the Montrose at mid pace at sea on the top. Inside there are eleven sprues and two hull pieces of light grey styrene, one sprue of clear styrene, one sheet of etched brass and a small decal sheet. Each sprue is protected in their own poly bag. All the parts are very well moulded, with no sign of flash and only a few moulding pips. Detail appears to be very crisp throughout and quite a lot of use of slide moulding technology has been used on the kit, particularly on the superstructure parts. This is the second Type 23 frigate Trumpeter has released. The first, HMS Kent being released this time last year with quiet acclaim from maritime modellers. It would have been expected that the Montrose release would have been for a later period in the ships career, but it appears that this is not so. The only difference between this and the Kent are the decals, which is a rather cynical way of maximising profits in this reviewers opinion. So, the modeller gets the old Mk 8 MOD 0 turret and manned 30mm mounts, instead of the Kryten style Mk 8 MOD 1 and DSM30 Mk2 mounts even though these are shown on the box art. Having looked through the instructions it appears the Siren decoy canisters are also missing from the platforms either side of the forward bridge structure. The build begins with the fitting of the two part sonar dome and bow anchor, along with the keel strakes and stabiliser fins amidships. Moving aft, the two single piece propeller shafts, with A frames moulded together are attached to their relative positions, then fitted with the scimitar bladed propellers. The two rudders are then attached to the hull, as is the transom with separate variable depth sonar hawse pipe/guide. Turning the hull over the deck piece with indented quarterdeck is fitted. The quarterdeck is then detailed with the forward bulkhead whilst three individual supports are fitted to the starboard side and a single piece fitted to the port side, whilst a capstan is fitted centrally. Up forward, the two piece port anchor is fitted to its hawse pipe. Completing the deck/hull is carried out by the fitting of the rear flightdeck/quarterdeck head and the optional ensign staff. On the foredeck the bow hawse pipe, jack staff, breakwater and anchor capstans are fitted. Around the deck edge twelve cleats and bollards are attached, whilst amidships two winches are fitted. Next up is the construction of the complicated foremast. This is extensively made up of etched brass details added to the main styrene parts. Take your time with the etched parts, as they are a little bit fiddly and mistakes will be very noticeable. With the foremast done there are several sub-assemblies to be built up, such as the platforms for the bridge structure, SCOT domes, bridge roof, harpoon launchers, and the two Type 996 radar mountings. The upper bridge structure is then built up out of the single piece superstructure, bridge roof, rear SCOT wings, SCOT domes, and several lockers on both sides. The lower bridge structure is made up of the deck, two sides, front and rear. Onto the deck the SRBOC launchers are fitted as are the four aldis lamps, a pair of liferings and the two platforms per side. The upper structure is then fitted to the lower and the foremast fitted to rear of the upper section. The completed assembly is then put to one side and the build moves onto the centre section. The centre superstructure is made up of a single piece lower section with all but the starboard side moulded together. The missing side is then fitted and an extra section of decking is added on top. On the underside the wing supports are added, whilst topsides the boat cranes, RIBs, 30mm cannon mountings and several miscellaneous parts are added. The forepart of the structure is then fitted into position. The funnel is then built up with the main section fitted with the two sides. On top the six exhausts are fitted and a radome added to the front of the structure. The completed funnel is then attached to and completing the centre superstructure. The last main section of superstructure is the hanger. This is again a slide moulded part which just needs the starboard side added to complete the main part. Internal bulkhead detail is then added, as is the hanger door. For this to be posed open it needs to be cut down to size before fitting. On the outside there are four platforms to be fitted, two per side. The main mast is built up, again using quite a bit of etched brass and fitted to the hanger roof along with the aft 996 radar mounting and roof wind deflectors. With all main superstructure sections fitted to the main deck it’s on with the final bits to be added, these include the vertical launch silo structure for the Sea Wolf missiles. This is fitted forward of the bridge, and forward of the VLS is the 4.5” Mk8 MOD 0 gun turret, consisting of the outer shell, gun mount and gun. The Lynx helicopter is produced in Trumpeters usual fashion of clear styrene and is made up of the main fuselage with moulded nose wheel, main wheels and their sponsons, two torpedoes, the separate tail with tail rotor and wing, also separate. The modeller has the option of having the helicopter in folded or extended pose, but there aren’t any stabilisers included for the folded rotors. Being a full hull model only there is a strong modular stand with a separate nameplate for the model to be displayed on. Etch The etched brass sheet is really quite thin and nasty. The review example was already creased, even though it was in a protective sleeve with cardboard backing. The parts included are only for the yardarms, radar mounting railings, harpoon launcher mountings and a few aerials and platforms. There are no railings or flight deck edge netting that really is needed to complete the model. Decals The small decal sheet has most of the markings required for the ship, namely the pennant numbers, flight deck markings, depth markings, funnel crowns, ships crest for the front of the bridge, ships nameplates for either side just beneath the quarterdeck, Union and Ensign flags and finally the flotilla markings for the funnel. The decals are well produced; they are in good register with thin backing film and good opacity. Conclusion This a very nice looking kit, and apart from the etched parts, it looks like it should go together with minimal fuss. It is a shame that Trumpeter didn’t include the later turret and 30mm cannon particularly as the ship is shown in this MOD state on the box art, which is really a bit misleading to the casual purchaser. Fortunately the likes of White Ensign Models have released their full etched set for these kits which will also add the important railings and deck edge netting. They have also released a Mk8 MOD 1 Kryten turret and the siren decoy launchers which really shouldn’t have been missed by Trumpeter as they are actually quite prominent. So, not perfect, but certainly a good basis to build upon. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

OK everyone, Here for your delectation is Trumpeter's F-8. I'm glad I finished it, and it looks pretty handsome, but it won't ever be one of my favourites, probably because it lacks propellors! Augmented with an Aires cockpit which, despite dire warnings all round, fitted perfectly with no serious sanding required. Weapons load entirely ficticious! What I like: * It looks like an F-8 (to me...) * Nice Trumpeter moulding and plastic What I don't like * Canopy doesn't fit (could be my fault; couldn't be bothered fettling by the time I got to it!) * Lacks a few important decals (warning triangles and arrows; huge thanks to Steve Parker (spfparker) for supplying these to me! * Tail flash decals are a bugg3r... * LArge quantity of stencil decals with no hints as to where they should go. So I guessed... * I don't know what either Vought or (more likely) Trumpeter were smoking when they organised the in-flight refuelling probe and the weapons load on that side, but I can't see how it would have been able to take a drink whilst loaded for bear, as it were. I had to move the pylon back a few scale feet and it still doesn't 'work'. So, on with the show... A couple of overviews: Lightnings aren't the only jet that can stand on their tails: Close up of a wheel well, loaded with pipes and other technical stuff: Crowded weapons bay. The camera really isn't forgiving, is it? More plumbing, plus some guesstimated srtencil placement: Aires cockpit: Trumpeter *do* like to load their kits with detail. I thought this was pretty good for OOB: So, there she is. I'm now going to kick back over the summer and wait for a Zoukei-Mura Uhu plus (almost) no aftermarket to arrive via HLJ, which I reckon will keep me going until at least the Spring of 2014... Cheers everyone... Mike

Douglas A-1D, (AD-4) Skyraider Trumpeter 1/32 History The Douglas A-1 Skyraider (formerly AD) was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after the French World War I fighter. The Skyraider had a remarkably long and successful career, even inspiring its straight-winged, slow-flying, jet-powered successor, the A-10 Thunderbolt II. It was operated by the United States Navy (USN), the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and the United States Air Force (USAF), and also saw service with the Royal Navy, the French Air Force, the Air Force of the Republic of Vietnam (VNAF), and others. The piston-engined Skyraider was designed during World War II to meet U.S. Naval requirements for a carrier-based, single-seat, long-range, high performance dive/torpedo bomber, to follow-on from earlier types such as the Helldiver and Avenger. Designed by Ed Heinemann of the Douglas Aircraft Company, prototypes were ordered on 6 July 1944 as the XBT2D-1. The XBT2D-1 made its first flight on 18 March 1945 and in April 1945, the USN began evaluation of the aircraft at the Naval Air Test Center (NATC). In December 1946, after a designation change to AD-1, delivery of the first production aircraft to a fleet squadron was made to VA-19A. The low-wing monoplane design started with a Wright R-3350 radial engine, later upgraded several times. Its distinctive feature was large straight wings with seven hard points apiece. These gave the aircraft excellent low-speed manoeuvrability, and enabled it to carry a large amount of ordnance over a considerable combat radius and loiter time for its size, comparable to much heavier subsonic or supersonic jets. The aircraft was optimized for the ground-attack mission and was armoured against ground fire in key locations unlike faster fighters adapted to carry bombs, such as the Vought F4U Corsair or North American P-51 Mustang, which would be retired by U.S. forces before the 1960s. Shortly after Heinemann began design of the XBT2D-1 a study was issued that showed for every 100 lbs of weight reduction the take-off run was decreased by 8 feet, the combat radius increased by 22 miles and the rate of climb increased by 18 feet. Heinemann immediately had his design engineers begin a program of finding weight saving on the XBT2D-1 design no matter how small. 270 lbs was found by simplifying the fuel system; 200 lbs by eliminating an internal bomb bay and hanging the bombs, drop tanks and rockets from the wings or fuselage; 70 lbs by using a fuselage dive brake; and 100 lbs by using an older tail wheel design. In the end Heinemann and his design engineers found over 1800 lbs of weight savings on the original XBT2D-1 design. Navy AD series were initially painted in ANA 623 Glossy Sea Blue, but during the 1950s following the Korean War, the colour scheme was changed to light gull grey (FS26440) and white (FS27875). Initially using the gray and white Navy pattern, by 1967 the USAF began to paint its Skyraiders in a camouflaged pattern using two shades of green, and one of tan. Used by the USN over Korea and Vietnam, the A-1 was a primary close air support aircraft for the USAF and VNAF during the Vietnam War. The A-1 was famous for being able to take hits and keep flying. There was added armour plating around the cockpit area for added pilot protection. It was replaced beginning in the mid-1960s by the Grumman A-6 Intruder as the Navy's primary medium attack plane in super carrier-based air wings; however Skyraiders continued to operate from the smaller Essex class carriers. The Skyraider went through seven versions, starting with the AD-1, then AD-2 and AD-3 with various minor improvements, then the AD-4, (the subject of this kit), with a more powerful R-3350-26WA engine. The AD-5 was significantly widened, (allowing the two crew to sit side-by-side), it also came in a four-seat night-attack version, the AD-5N. The AD-6 was an improved AD-4B with improved low-level bombing equipment, and the final production version AD-7 was upgraded to an R-3350-26WB engine. Skyraider production ended in 1957 with a total of 3,180 built. In 1962, the existing Skyraiders were redesignated A-1D through A-1J and later used by both the USAF and the Navy in the Vietnam War. The Model It is great to see another 1:32 Skyraider on the market giving the modeller a choice of either a complex or relatively simple build, even though the marks are different. This kit is of an earlier version, as used in the Korean War and is certainly the most accessible kit of this aircraft available, and I’m sure Trumpeter will be releasing later versions in the future, certainly going by the number of parts that aren’t used in this kit. The kit comes in quite a large box with an artists representation of the aircraft in flight over a target in Korea. Even with the size of the box, on opening it is stuff full with eighteen sprues of medium grey styrene, one sprue of clear styrene, rubber tyres, a small sheet of etched brass, and two quite large sheets of decals, one for the aircraft and one for the weaponry. All the parts appear very well moulded with no sign of flash and not too many moulding pips. Surface detail is a mixture of engraved and raised lines where appropriate such as strengthening straps and rivets. The instructions, on twenty four pages of landscape A4 are very clear and easy to follow. Despite the size of the kit, construction appears to be fairly simple, yet there is plenty of scope for additional detail to be added as has been seen on this site already. Once good thing about building a carrier borne aircraft in this scale is the useful feature of having the wings folded, thus taking up less space in the display cabinet. Construction starts with the engine build. The front and rear banks of cylinders are in two halves, each bank is then attached to each other and the push rods are fitted, as is the rear engine mounting plate. The crankcase is then built up with the addition of the magnetos and other ancillary parts before fitting to the front of the engine. The air intake manifold is the assembled and fitted to the rear of the engine followed by the complex arrangement of exhaust pipes which look quite fun to assemble and fit to each cylinder. The planetary gear case with the oil tank and sump moulded integrally is fitted with the two part battery and attached to the rear of the engine as are the very sturdy looking engine mounts. With the engine complete, the cockpit is then assembled. To the basic cockpit floor, with the side console shapes pre-moulded, the side console inners and tops are added, along with the seat, joystick, rudder pedals and instrument panel. The panel consists of a backing plate and clear front portion, onto the back of which the instrument decal is positioned. The instrument faces then need to be masked off before painting. When the masking is removed if should give the effect that the dials are behind glass. With the panel in place the rear bulkhead, having had the headrest attached can be fitted to the floor. Etched belts are provided for the lap and over-shoulder positions. To the completed cockpit assembly the main fuselage bulkheads fore and aft are attached. The foreward bulkhead also has the main engine oil tank, oil pump and fire bottle fixed to the front face, whilst the rear bulkhead has the fuselage fuel tank fitted to the rear face. The engine assembly is then attached to the front bulkhead and the whole assembly fitted to one side of the fuselage. The tailwheel bay is made up of the roof, sides and small front bulkhead to which the fuselage tail bulkhead is attached. The tailwheel itself is made up of the oleo, three part wheel support structure and the three part wheel including the rubber tyre. The tailwheel is then fitted into the well and the whole assembly fitted to its position in the fuselage. There are six further bulkheads fitted within the fuselage two of which are attached to the separate lower air brake well. With everything fitted into one half of the fuselage, the other half can be attached closing the fuselage up. With the fuselage closed up work still continues on the nose area. Firstly the two intakes are attached above and below the nose, aft of the engine; the lower intake is fitted with a PE grille. The two side panels aft of the engine are moulded in clear styrene, presumably so that the internal can be seen if one or both panels are left unpainted. The four nose strakes are attached to their respective positions, two per side whilst the cowling mounting ring is fitted over the engine and attached to the fuselage. In the cockpit the two canopy rails are fitted, whilst behind the cockpit two air scopes are attached. The engine cowling has the option of being posed open or closed as do the front and rear cowl flaps. If posed closed there is a very nicely moulded single piece outer cowl, into which parts representing the internal structure and front cowl flaps are fitted. Whilst this is a nice feature, it would be a shame to hide all the great engine detail. For the open cowling there is a separate nose structure into which the front cooling flaps are fitted, the support beam, two hinged panels and their gas struts. Moving back to the cockpit opening the coaming is fitted with a switch box and glued into place. There is a panel fitted behind the headrest and fitted with a support posts. The canopy slide rail is then fitted along with a blade aerial and the windscreen. The single piece canopy, moulded in clear styrene is a very complicated moulding and due to this does suffering from a mould seam which will need some careful sanding and polishing with something like the micromesh system before sealing in Kleer or Alclad aqua gloss before fitting to the fuselage. With the fuselage now complete work moves to the tail with the assembly of the horizontal tailplanes, elevators and rudder, each of which is in two halves. For the elevators to be posed drooped two small tags need to be removed first. The lower wing centre section is then fitted out with the main undercarriage bays box structures with cross bracing between the inboard and outboard sides. The inner wing cannon ammunition boxes are also fitted, as are the fold join ribs. The inner cannon are made up of the breech, with ammunition belt feed and ejector detail and a three part barrel and barrel bracket. The cannon are then attached to the inner wing between the inner and outer fold join ribs. If the wing is to be modelled unfolded then the three piece barrel can be replaced by a single, less detailed one. With the cannon fitted the upper wing parts can be attached. Turning the wing over, the flaps are assembled and attached to the wings by four actuators the choice of parts will depend on whether the flaps are to be modelled up or down. At this point the instructions call for the main undercarriage to be fitted, but it may be prudent to leave this until after the inner wing section is attached to the fuselage to prevent any breakages. As it is, the main undercarriage is each made up of the main oleo, retraction frame, gas strut, and front bay door. The wheels consist of the inner hub with separate brake piston detail, internal axle mount, a choice of spoked or solid outer hub and the rubber tyre. Once fitted to the wing the inner and outer bay doors can be attached. With the inner wing attached to the fuselage the side air brakes are fitted, again with the option of posing them open or closed. If closed then the internal panel and retraction jack can be omitted. The same goes for the underside air brake, just forward of which, on both sides a footstep is fitted. Right aft the two piece arrestor hook is attached, presumably in either retracted or extended position, but it’s not clear just going by the instructions. The propeller is then constructed out of a two part boss and four individual propeller blades. The completed propeller can be fitted once painting and decaling has been finished. The outer wings are now assembled with the wing cannon constructed in the same way as the inner wings guns and fitted into the gun bays built using the front, rear and side bulkheads with the ammunition boxes outboard of the guns. The wing lights, just inboard of the tip is fitted along with the wing join rib which has had the fold mechanisms attached, the type used will depend on whether the model is to be built with wings spread or folded. With the internal parts fitted the upper wing panels are attached, followed by the clear light covers and the ailerons. If the wings are spread then the outer cannon and ammunition bays can be shown with their access panels open. The completed assemblies can then be attached to the inner wings. Again, these can be left off until after painting and decaling, particularly if the wings are to be folded. Final attachments to the wings and fuselage are the various pylons. Alternative pylons are provided for the inner wing, dependent on whether the 2000lb bombs are to be mounted. Each pylon is detailed with separate crutch plates which is an item normally missed on kits, even in this scale. There have been some concerns over the type of pylons fitted to the outer wings, but having done a fair amount of research the kit pylons seem to match those fitted to the AD-4 during Korea. The kit has plenty of weaponry provided, including:- • Four M64 500lb bombs • Eight Mk82 500lb bombs, (not used in Korea) • Two M66 2000lb bombs • Eight Mk81 250lb bombs, (not used in Korea) • Two M-117 750lb bombs, • Eight M-57 250lb bombs • Four LAU-3 rocket pods, (not used in Korea) • Four SUU-14A/A cluster bomb units, (not used in Korea) • Sixteen 5” rockets • Two wing drop tanks • One centreline drop tank • Two toilet bombs, (not used on this model, but another sign of what is to come) So, whilst there is a large stock of weaponry in the box, very little of it can actually be used on an AD-4 in Korea. Still, the modeller should be able to attach a pretty unhealthy load. Etch Of all the parts on the small sheet of etched brass only five are actually used, the two lap straps, two shoulder straps and the intake grille. Although quite a thick sheet, it appears to be malleable enough to use without the need to anneal beforehand. Decals The two large decal sheets, one for the aircraft and one for the weaponry are both very nicely printed, in good register and opacity. They are quite glossy and thin, but some of the backing sheet is quite noticeable, although with a good gloss coat beforehand they should bed down well without silvering. The only real concern is the mottling on the surface, particularly noticeable on the Stars N Bars. Two aircraft schemes are provided, these are for:- • US Navy, VA-95, AD-4NA 515, BuNo127003 • US Marines, VMA-324, AD-4B 2, BuNo132364 The weapon sheet provides the yellow live weapon rings and placards for the M-64, M-66, Mk-82 and M-117 bombs, even though the latter two are not relevant for this era. The rest of the sheet covers the placards for each of the pylons. Conclusion I’ve always like the Skyraider and have been several in 1:72 and 1:48, but never thought I’d see one in 1:32, now we have two. This kit provides excellent value for money in my view, with some lovely moulding on the acres of styrene. The detail is great and should cater for all but the most fastidious of modellers, who can add detail to their hearts content as the basics are definitely here. It’s nice to see an early mark being released but it will be a challenge to weather the aircrafts overall dark blue realistically. Having got the ZM A-1H I think this kit complements the more complex product and as mentioned above is certainly more accessible to casual modellers, yet good enough for the more hardcore brigade. Highly recommended Walkround photos available HERE Review sample courtesy of

US Mk 23 MTVR Cargo Truck Trumpeter 1:35 History The Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) is a family of all-terrain cargo trucks manufactured by Oshkosh for the US Navy and US Marine Corps. The MTVR was initially ordered to replace the existing medium truck fleet under the US Marine Corps programme. The vehicles were extensively deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Oshkosh vehicle can transport troops, fuel, water, food and supplies. The vehicle will also be used to tow the M777 lightweight 155mm howitzer. More than 11,000 MTVRs have been delivered to the Marines and the Navy Seabees to date. The MTVR is available in nine variants including MK23, (the subject of this kit) and MK25 Standard Cargo Truck, MK27 and MK28 Extended Cargo Truck, MK29 and MK30 Dump Truck, MK31 Tractor, MK36 Wrecker, MK37 HIMARS Resupply Vehicle, 4x4 Short Bed Cargo, 9-Ton Load Handling System 6x6, and 16.5-Ton Load Handling System 8x8. The vehicles feature a welded all-aluminium cab mounted on a torsionally rigid channel section chassis frame. The conventional layout houses the engine at the front, crew cab in the middle and troop/cargo section in the rear. The crew cab accommodates three marines. The standard MTVR cargo variant has a length of 8.02m, width of 2.4m and a height of 3.5m. The curb weight of the basic cargo variant (MK23) is 12.6t. The trucks can be integrated with Oshkosh TerraMax UGV technology for conducting unmanned operations. The crew cab and cargo compartment are equipped with an MTVR Armour System (MAS) to protect the crew from 7.62mm M80 ball rounds and 7.62mm Armour Piercing (AP) rounds. The mine protection kit can protect the occupants from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The bottom of the vehicle is provided with aluminium armour and rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) to withstand the impact of grenades and mortar rounds used as mines. Powered by a Caterpillar C-13 six-cylinder diesel engine coupled to an Allison seven-speed automatic transmission and torque converter, and an Oshkosh single-speed transfer box. It provides a power output of 440hp. Each variant is equipped with Oshkosh TAK-4 independent coil-spring suspension, which provides superior mobility and allows each wheel to move independently on the uneven surfaces. The vehicle features anti-lock brakes with automatic traction control. The Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) allows the driver to select tire inflation pressures according to vehicle payload and terrain type. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 105km/h and on-road cruising range of 483km. It can traverse a 60% gradient and 30% side slope with its maximum cross-country load and can ford waters up to 1.5m deep. It can be internally transported by C-5, C-17 and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The MK23 cargo variant is airlifted under-slung by CH-53 helicopter. The Model The kit comes in the now standard, and in my view, very attractive, and sturdy box with an artists representation of the MTRV Mk23 on the front towing an M-177 155mm howitzer. On opening the box is full to the brim with nine sprues of light grey styrene, three separate parts for the cab and bonnet, one clear sprue, six rubber tyres, one fret of etched brass, a small decal sheet and a length of copper wire. Each sprue and the separate parts are contained in separate poly bags ensuring that all the parts are well protected. All the parts are really well moulded, with no sign of flash, although there are quite a few moulding pips, which are slightly annoying, but a necessity due to the moulding process. Naturally for a truck the construction begins with the building up of the chassis. The two chassis rails are joined together by several cross beams, a representation of the engine sump and gearbox/torque converter and an intermediate gearbox with associated drive shafts and universal joints. Over the drive shaft another cross beam is fitted along with one over the gearbox and a U beam across the rear brackets of the main rails. Turning the chassis right side up another cross beam/cover is added above the drive shaft, whilst to the front the bumper is attached. The build then progresses to the suspension and wheel brake units. Each of the three sub-assemblies that go toward building the suspension units are very complex. Each suspension frame, (of which there are two per axle), is constructed out of a main part and two side frames. This is then fitted with the two piece spring, (which may take a bit of tidying up and would have been better moulded as a single unit), is attached between the upper and lower wishbones, the lower wishbone then has the shock absorber fitted between it and the upper framework. A short drive shaft is fitted with the ball joint and slid into the frame assembly and for the front axle, fitted with a lower steering bracket and upper steering arm. Once each of the six suspension assemblies have been built a transverse gearbox and two support rods are sandwiched between two of the assemblies per axle and cross frame attached to the bottom of each frame covering the gearboxes. The wheel hubs, brake units are then assembled and fitted to each ball joint. Each axle is then fitted to their associated position on the chassis and drive shafts are attached between the front axle gearbox to the intermediate gearbox, intermediate gearbox to the forward rear axle gearbox and between the forward and rear axle gearboxes. Auxiliary components are assembled, these include the fuel tank, which is a two piece affair, upper and lower, to which the two support mounts are fitted along with a four piece step assembly. The storage box is also of upper and lower construction which has the two support mounts and two catches before the air and hydraulic accumulators are attached. Both the fuel tank and storage box are attached to the left hand chassis rail. Two step frames and associated foot plates are then assembled and fitted one on each side as are the two cab supports. The final parts fitted to the chassis before the build moves onto the cab and cargo bed are the air intake stack, intake frame and support, engine intake pipe, which is threaded through the right hand footstep frame and fitted to the stack, rear cab shock absorbers and the cross chassis footplate. The cab assembly starts with adding a couple of minor parts to the underside of the cab floor, then flipping over to fit the accelerator and brake pedals. The instrument binnacle is made up of three parts, the lower console, upper air vent strip and the instrument panel, the instruments of which are on a decal. The use of decal softening and setting solutions may work here as the details are raised, or it may be better to paint the main details and cut out the placards from the decal and add them to their relevant positions. The completed binnacle is then fitted to the forward floor part along with the steering column and its associated support bracket. The drivers seat is made up of the squab and back rest which sits on a concertina effect part, then fitted to the cab floor. The two seater passenger seat is made up of a single box structure onto which the back rest is fitted, attached to two square sectioned supports, and attached to the cab floor. The outer cab structure is a single piece moulding, onto which the circular gunners hatch, clear front and rear screens, two hand rails and the four supports for the machine gun mount are fitted. The machine gun mount itself is made up of the crossways support structure, two spent casing troughs, ring mount, with the gun support attached. The completed assembly is then fitted to the four cab supports with individual brackets on each corner. The inner cab is then slid into the outer, and having dry fitted these parts I can say that it is a very good and positive fitting. The doors are then fitted with their associated clear parts and attached to the cab. The exhaust stack is made up of two parts with a PE mesh wrapped around the bottom section and attached to the right hand side of the cab with the exhaust pipe attached to the bottom of the stack and cab into what would be the engine bay. The rear mud flaps, wing mirrors, with PE brackets, wipers, PE foot plates and exhaust stack outlet flapper complete the cab build. The cab assembly is then fitted to the chassis and the front end completed with the fitting of the bonnet, made up of a single piece moulding onto which a PE mesh and back plate are fitted to the inside of the radiator grille, the headlights, sidelights and the oil reservoir at the back of the cab. Moving onto the cargo bed, the bed itself, with moulded tie down rings is fitted with the front fixed, rear lower fixed and what look like removable sides, presume, depending on role. The rear drop down flap is then attached, whilst on the underside, the support and strengthening beams are fitted, as are the strapping points, plus the front and rear mudguards. Turning the bed right side up more strapping points are added to the lower sides along with twenty more mid way up the sides, front and rear. These are made up using the provided jigs and the copper wire, which whilst looking quite a labourious job will make the model very convincing. The completed cargo bed is then attached to the rear chassis. The build is completed with the assembly of the six wheels, each made up of an inner and outer hub and an out hub plate. The rubber tyres are then pushed onto the hubs from the rear. The tyres are very well moulded, with no seam lines other than what you’d see on the real things, and the words are legible, showing that the manufacturers name is correctly spelt. They maybe not to everyones tastes and will probably be replaced with aftermarket resin ones if they are released, but they do look good. Etch Most of the etched parts have been mentioned in the above text showing where the parts are used. The etch sheet itself is quite thick, but not overly so, which means it shouldn’t be too hard to bend. It would still be best to anneal the parts beforehand though, especially the exhaust grille, which needs to be wrapped around the plastic part. The perforated parts are really well done, to the point they look stamped and will greatly aid the realistic look of the completed model. Decals The small decal sheet contains not only the instrument panel mentioned above, but the vehicle reg numbers for each of the two colour schemes provided, but also placards and identification numbers placed around the truck. The decals are very clear, slightly glossy and of good opacity, whilst the backing film looks nice a thin. Conclusion This is a super kit, with lots of parts and detail. If used in conjunction with an M198 155mm howitzer, (at least until an M777 is released), it will make a good basis for a diorama or vignette. My only real concerns are the complete lack of tilt and tilt bars with which, from research, these vehicles are usually fitted. But I guess these can always be scratch built. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

This was completed last weekend - I had originally posted it within an earlier thread but decided it needed it's own! Trumpeter 1/48 Supermarine Spiteful (PR) In my view, this is a great little kit - no vices to speak of and went together so easily, one minute a pile of parts - the next a built up Spiteful awaiting a layer of paint. I wanted mine to look a little different - now as this was designed to be fast, I thought, what if it had been used instead of the PR19 - so here we are - A spiteful PR variant. No weathering on this at all - not even a panel wash. And for a change, this one has been brush painted. Hope you like it (I know its not perfect, but hey, built to enjoy and to get my mojo back a little - but can't build anything too big as will be moving in the next couple of months or so and small are easier to pack and move!)

Announced in the 2013-14 Trumpeter catalogue (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234933085-148th-new-in-trumpeter-catalogue-2013-2014-mig-23mfmlmld-j7bgb-mig-21mfum-vampire-fb5-attacker-fb2-cj-6/), the 1/48th chinese trainer aircraft Nanchang CJ-6 kit - ref. 02887 - should be released in June 2013. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/TrumpeterModel/photos_stream#!/photo.php?fbid=169608146531120&set=pb.103526326472636.-2207520000.1365751560&type=3&theater http://www.aeroscale.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=14093 V.P.

Mig-21F Wheels (for Trumpeter) 1:48 Eduard Brassin (648103) This simple set of replacement resin wheels and painting masks arrives in Eduard's shallow clamshell box, backed with grey foam for protection. Inside are two mainwheels with separate inner hubs, one nose wheel with separate starboard hub, a small fret of Photo-Etch (PE) brake line parts, and a sheet of yellow Kabuki masking tape (not pictured) pre-cut into doughnut shapes to ease the painting of the hubs. They are a drop-in replacements only requiring you to remove the small casting blocks, which for the wheels are dainty, but for the hubs are more substantial. For the nose-wheel a small additional part is supplied for the yoke, which attaches to the very tip of the yoke leg, with the brake hose attached at one end. A small static-wick is also included in PE. Conclusion More detailed than the kit wheels, and with no seams to clean up, these resin replacements are good news for the Mig-21F modeller, and the masks are equally welcome news for those of our number that dislike painting wheels. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

I was going to build this straight from the box , but the temptation to make an AEW is just too great. Im not saying that this will be 100% accurate as im only working from photos. The first bit i have done is the fairing behind the canopy. I have built it from one of the kit drop tanks and some plasticard. Alot of fiddling and sanding later and i think it looks OK. Thats one thing done. Next i need to fill the side airbrakes , scribe a door and cut a window , plasticard finlets , wheel well fairings , vent on top of fairing , flame dampeners , oh yes and that big radome. Not much then...

Source http://ipmsphilippin...der-kit-status/[/url'> http://ipmsphilippines.com/test-shots/special-announcement-trumpeter-132-a-6-intruder-kit-status/]I hate the braille scale... V.P.

Finished the component parts and added them all together on the great MiniArt Russian Street base. The howitzer was a little tricky in places, but came out ok, as did the tractor with the added ET Models etch set. The whole diorama was a very enjoyable build. Now with added dust and better photographs. I will be adding some more debris when it arrives then some wire between the gantries. Street scene build HERES-65 tractor build HERE ML-20 build HERE

A fantastic little kit! Went together with no real difficulties, the only thing I had to do was touch up the yellow/black decals on the wing and fin as they were 1.5mm short. Luckily Revell No.12 Yellow gloss acrylic was a perfect match. I love this scale, I just wish more manufacturers would cater for it with kits of this quality. Yes that is a penny!

I've always wanted one of these but can't shake the idea that the 1/72 version is a bit big, so here's Pit Road's boxing of Trumpeter's little LCAC: I got one (actually two!) for a bargain price in HLJ's sale at the end of last year. This seems like the ideal opportunity to make it, although I realised I have a couple of 1/144 Gundams lurking in the cupboard too. Maybe later... For a relatively small machine the box is quite full. The parts are laid out much like their ship kits - one piece deck, structures built up from separate walls, and lots of fine detail. I'm quite looking forward to the cutting and sticking, I'm not sure yet how much to leave separate for painting and decalling since there are quite a lot of markings to consider. Does anyone know of any suitable vehicles I could load into it? Will

Mig-21F-13 Update Sets (for Trumpeter) 1:48 Eduard We reviewed this kit here soon after it came out, and now Eduard have four new sets (5 if you include the Zoom set) to improve the detail. Interior Set (49621) Although the outer label doesn't say so, the instructions say "interior", which might be a little confusing initially, but it's a minor thing. The kit's main cockpit area is a shallow tub, and this remains mostly intact, although the surface detail on the side consoles is removed to accept new pre-painted and self-adhesive panels, which includes a new throttle quadrant of a more restrained and realistic shape, plus a few other knobs and levers to give it a more 3D look. The cockpit sidewall pieces are trimmed away to leave just the lips, which are attached to the fuselage sides, and the internal detail is then added in the form of multi-layered skins to give a more representative look and increase the internal width of the cockpit to a more realistic level. The instrument panel is replaced by a new one in laminated pre-painted PE, with only the top section retained in order to mount it to the coaming, which is also overhauled. The large clear HUD glass is liberated from its chunky framing, which is replaced by more in-scale PE sections with small pieces of acetate film replicating the clear side portions. The ejector seat has the majority of the moulded-in detail removed, including the seat cushions, with the replacement being supported from the underneath by a small portion of 2mm styrene that the modeller must supply. New side-panels, seat cushions and head-rest parts are added, and the anti-flail supports to the sides of the pilot's head are installed on some short lengths of 0.5mm rod, which the modeller must also supply. A full set of seatbelts is built up and added to the seat, and the control levers built into the side-panels are added from PE. The underside of the canopy is upgraded with rail detail on either side, and the front hoop is detailed with extra detail, plus a closing latch on either side, which will need a short length of wire to complete. Zoom Set (FE621) If your budget or skill level with PE doesn't extend to the additional parts within the Interior set, this reduced set contains all the parts on the self-adhesive and pre-painted sheet, which should give you enough to improve your cockpit to a great extent. Exterior Set (48767) The exterior set covers the exhaust, adding extra detail to the trunking and afterburner ring, skins for the various airbrakes, and an almost complete overhaul of the equipment bay forward of the cockpit, which Trumpeter saw fit to add. The majority of the boxes are removed to be replaced by more detailed PE fabrications, and a 0.3mm length of wire is suggested for the stay that stops the bay cover from decapitating the mechanics. A number of antennae on the tail fin, under the fuselage and on the pitot probe are replaced, and out on the wings, a wing fence, small L-shaped tab in front of the aileron and the flap bays are augmented with new PE parts. The flaps themselves also get a new inner skin to cover the blank section that mates with the wing when retracted. Moving on to the weapons, the rocket pods are given new in-scale rear fairings and a honeycomb PE representation of the rocket tubes to the rear. The iron bombs are treated to spinners front and aft, and the R-3S Atoll missiles are given exhaust details. The auxiliary fuels tanks are provided with filler caps, and all the pylon mating surfaces are skinned in case the pylons are to be modellers with no ordnance on board. Undercarriage Set (48769) This small set requires the removal of some detail within the nose gear bay, which is then replaced by more detailed and in-scale PE parts, as well as hinges for the door and retraction jack with housing. A short length of 0.6mm rod will be needed to complete the task. The nose wheel is given a pair of cog-like detail parts for the hub, and brake hoses are supplied in PE. The main gear is given a set of new PE bay doors to attach to the rear of the leg, with a scrap diagram showing the correct angle to set the smaller folding part. The complex mechanism that runs down the front of the legs better replicated by fine PE parts, requiring the chunky styrene part to be cut, retaining only the section nearest the axle. The brake hubs are added from PE, with their actuating hoses as PE parts, and the front of the hub is covered by a flat cap. Brake hoses are added to the rear of the leg, and additional wiring is added to the shallow bay in the wings, along with a pair of rib-stubs that project into the bay from the wing internal structure. Accessories Set (48768) Similar to the sets issued for the later MF, SMT and BIS kits by Eduard, the content of this set comprises Foreign Object Debris (FOD) guards for the nose, exhaust and a stay for the rudder, as well as a crew access ladder, two types of wheel chocks for the main gear, and two drip-trays for underneath these (apparently) leaky beasts. You'll need to roll the nose FOD guard a cone of PE for the "witch's hat" shaped cover, and curve the sides of the exhaust cover, so not for the total PE novice. Conclusion Another batch of Eduard's sets that will see a huge improvement in the detail of your kit. Clear instructions and simplicity where possible are the watchwords of modern Eduard sets, avoiding bending or rolling where possible. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

BTR-70 Weighted Road Wheels Type 1/2 (for Trumpeter) 1:35 ET Models These sets are designed to replace the kit supplied soft plastic wheels and styrene hubs, which some modellers find a bit annoying and unrealistic, with concerns over their long-term durability. ET Model have responded with two sets of wheels with different hub detail, although I have to confess I don't know whether the differences between them are appropriate for certain variants, or just as a result of two different designs. Type 1 Type 2 Type 1 has a set of radial strengthening ribs in the main part of the hub, while type 2 is smooth. The tyres are identical between the sets, and you simply glue the hubs in the middle, and here I'd suggest using two-part epoxy resin to soak up the small gaps that can appear between the two parts, which should also improve the bond. The tyres have a slight weighting to them, characteristic of any pneumatic tyre that is under load, and more realistic than those without. The moulding block is situated on the contact patch, so clean-up is minimal, requiring the modeller to just trim it flush with the surrounding resin so that it stands flat on the ground. Each set comes complete with eight tyres and eight hubs, bagged in fours on a black backing card inside ET Model's standard tough plastic bag. Moulding is up to their usual high standard, and construction should be straight-forward if you use epoxy as the glue, hiding any remaining gaps by using Vallejo's excellent acrylic "putty" with precision applicator, wiping clean with a damp finger before it sets. Conclusion If you know why there were two types of hub, just pick the correct one, or alternatively just choose the one you like better. The sets are simple to use, and gets rid of those pesky "rubber" tyres. Highly recommended. Available soon from White Ensign Models in the UK Review Sample courtesy of

DKM Battleship Bismarck 1:200 Etch sets Continuing their release program of etched set for the huge Trumpeter Bismarck, Eduard have sent us Parts 2, 4, 5, 6 and crew. Three of the sets are in the large format, with the frets being either about 210mm x 134mm to 177mm x 96mm in size. Part 2- (53-081) is designated for the foreward part of the ship with all the parts contained on one of the smaller sized frets. These include the chain deck runners, hawse pipe grating, anchor chain stoppers and their respective deck eyes, and windlass top. To the main turret barbettes the shell handling gear is added whilst there are several deck eyes are fitted to the deck foreward of the breakwater and on the breakwater itself. The hatches can be posed open or closed and if the open option is chosen then this set provides handrails and new fittings for each one. Just aft of the main anchors, on the railings, there are four lifering cradles fitted, two on each side. Parts are provided for the replacement cable reels, consisting of the ends and cradle. The drum must be made up from plastic rod of the correct diameter. The paravanes get new and much finer details for the streaming gear, cradles and brackets. The main gun turrets are provided with new footrails, railings and ladders. The rest of the sheet is taken up with vertical and inclined ladders, separate step fittings, more windlass tops, with very nicely done hand rails, watertight doors, grilles, new fittings for the navigation lights and scuttle details. Part 4 – (53-083), this set consists of two sheets, one of the larger format and one of the smaller and is for the central area. As with the previous set it has detail parts for all the scuttles, along with additional parts for the lifering and fire hose cradles, vertical ladders and watertight doors. In addition to these parts there are new and replacement platforms, platform supports, platform railings, funnel hand and foot rails, bridge deck grating. The foremast has numerous new support webs added along with replacement yardarm walk ropes. Each of the large armoured rangefinders receives new external ladders, handrails and elevation disc. The main armoured rangefinder also has hand rails, ladders, hatches and the large radar box fitted. The small rangefinders are detailed with new hand wheels, and lifting eyes. There are additional details for both the large and small searchlights/signalling lamps, which include hand wheels, focusing grid, elevation mechanism, and lifting eyes for the larger types. Finally there are new walkways, handrails, platforms and ladders for the two boat deckhouses, new platforms and railings for the crane winch houses, and replacement steps for the rear of the 150mm gun turrets. Part 5 (53-084), this single large sheet set, provides parts for the rear section of the ship and, once again has the standard, rangefinder, searchlight, and scuttle details, individual steps for each side of the quarter decks, with a template to get the holes drilled correctly, cable reel parts, life ring and fire hose cradles, more paravanes parts as per Part 2. New replacement items include new platforms above the after 150mm turrets, ventilation grilles and platforms around Caesar turret barbette. The rear main rangefinder also gets a new highly detailed radar unit, handrails, hatches, ladders and individual steps, along with foot ropes for the mast yard. The rear main turrets receive the same items as the fore turrets, with ladders, railings and foot rails. The main mast has new platforms, yard arm foot ropes added whist the after superstructure has new platforms, grilles and access platforms for the ships boats. Part 6 (53-085), is in Eduards standard small fret format and is solely for the ships catapults and aircraft. These include new cable wheels, aircraft access ladders, catapult extensions, which have the individual cable railings and stantions, much like the Railing set reviewed earlier. The aircraft receive a completely new interior, float struts and launching cradle. A nice addition is the transport dolly for the spare Arado which would add nicely to a diorama setting. Eduard have thoughtfully proved a set of pre painted etched handling crew for both the aircraft and catapults with advice on where they are to be used. Now these do look rather odd on the fret, but when folded they should add some life to the ship. Kriegsmarine Deck Crew (53-088), is a small fret of pre-painted self adhesive figures which will help with populating the ship. As with the catapult crew mentioned above they look really odd on the fret, but when folded should give a realistic thickness to the body. The set will require some tools of the trade such as cleaning rods for the main guns to be made up out of plastic rod, which the instructions do provide some guidance on. I’m still not sold on etch crew, particularly at this scale and feel that resin or injection moulding would be better, but for now these will have to do. Conclusion Eduard have really gone to town on these sets, which will go a long way to bringing the completed model up to museum standards. If you think Eduard have finished with the Bismarck after the release of these sets, think again as I have seen that there are two more to go. Expect a big Ed set to be released, as I expect collecting all these sets will get rather expensive and in all honesty may not be absolutely required unless you’re a complete detail junky. At least the modeller can choose which sets will best suit their needs. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Russian BTR-50PK Eduard 1:35 Like the PT-76, on which this vehicle is based, the BTR-50 has a flat, boat-shaped hull. Unlike the PT-76i, it has a new superstructure added to the front of the vehicle. The hull of the BTR-50 is made of all-welded steel with the crew compartment in the front, the troop compartment in the center and the engine compartment at the rear. It has the ability to transport up to twenty fully equipped infantrymen who sit on benches which run across the full width of the troop compartment. They mount and dismount the APC by climbing over the sides of the hull. The driver sits in the center of the front of the hull and has three vision blocks and periscopes located at the top of the sloping glacis plate. During night operations the center periscope can be swapped for the TVN-28 night vision device which gives the driver clear vision up to 60 meters. The driver also has a small hatch that opens upwards - while it cannot be used to leave the vehicle, it can be opened in relatively safe areas for extra vision. In combat the hatch is closed and the driver can use a vision block. There is an emergency hatch under the driver's seat. The commander, who sits on the left hand side of the front of the vehicle, has three vision blocks and periscopes in a projecting bay and a cupola with a vision block facing forward. It is located on top of the projecting bay, opens forward and can be locked vertically. The vehicle can operate in temperatures between -40 °C and +40 °C. Eduards new set for the Trumpeter BTR-50PK kit contains just one sheet of relief etched brass, 210mm x 75mm in size. The sheet is contained in a zip lock poly bag, usually associated with Eduards larger sets. The Trumpeter kit is quite a simple build, particularly with having no interior so this set will help to spice the completed model up. Many of the rear decking details need to removed before adding the etch parts and these include items such as grab handles engine intake grilles, engine hatch cover and the viewing port on the rear bulkhead of the drivers compartment. Other parts included are new straps for the various tools and equipment, such as the external fuel tanks. Apart from other small the parts such as the drivers hatch hinge cover and tow cable clamps the rest of the sheet is taken up with the replacement side skirts, front and rear mud flaps and the amphibious bow water deflector. Conclusion Another nice set from Eduard to detail this esoteric vehicle from Trumpeter with some very fine details which will require some care in bending and fitting, but will make for a great looking model. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

The Russian AF has just taken delivery of the Su-30SM - to be used as a lead-in trainer for the Su-35S. Here's my conversion of the Trumpeter 1/72 scale Su-30MKK into a Su-30SM. It involved adding canards and their mounting shoulders, modifying the rudders and making Thrust Vector Control (TVC) nozzles..... I also added two pilots plus the prominent blind flying curtain over the front students cockpit.... Closeup of the TVC nozzles..... The blind flying curtain and holographic HUD..... The model is finished in the latest dark grey camo scheme now being adopted by the RusAF - together with red/white/blue stars and 'VVS Russia' titles on the fin.... Ken PS - If you ever wondered where your BBC licence fee goes - it funds the Russian Air Force......

IPMS Philippines homepage propose several sprue pics from the future Trumpeter's 1/32nd Douglas A-1H Skyraider. Source: http://ipmsphilippin...-a1h-skyraider/ V.P.

Mig-23M/MF/ML Photo-Etch Sets (for Trumpeter) 1:48 Eduard Eduard have released four distinct sets for this new(ish) release from Trumpeter, plus a Zoom set for the modeller that just wants the cockpit internals and pre-painted instrument panels. Each one covers a different aspect of the kit, allowing you to pick and choose which ones you want, or go for the full-meal-deal to give your kit a big boost in detail. The internal set is specific to the M variant, but the rest are suitable for all three kits, namely the Mig-23M, the initial production model, the MF Warsaw Pact export verson, and the ML second generation lightened airframes. Interior - M (49626) Specific to the M variant (Trumpeter code 02853), it comprises two sheets of Photo-Etch (PE) metal, one measuring 7cm x 6cm, which is self-adhesive and pre-painted, the other measuring 7cm x 3.8cm in bare brass. The set updates and improves the kit cockpit with a full set of laminated instrument panels and side consoles, as well as significant improvement to the cockpit sidewalls, rear bulkhead and the instrument coaming in the shape of a new HUD, with clear acetate film representing the glazing. The ejector seat rails are replaced with folded parts that give a better representation of the real thing, and the seat itself receives a comprehensive update, including a full set of seatbelts, headbox details, replacement side details, and improved leg restraint parts. Seat cushions and back-pads are provided, and additional crew controls on the side of the seat are installed on the port side. The cockpit glazing is supplied with internal framing details with latches that lock it in place when closed, plus the de-misting hose that runs around the sides. A set of rear-view mirrors are also added to the front of the sliding portion, which requires the two tiny depressions to be filled beforehand. A small length of styrene rod is placed at the front of the canopy, although its diameter isn't noted. Interior Zoom - M (FE626) If you're only interested in the instrument panels and seatbelts, are inexperienced with PE, or simply don't want to spend as much for the full set, the Zoom set includes all the parts of the pre-painted sheet above, and is also self-adhesive for easy installation. exterior - all variants (49755) Supplied on a single large fret measuring 14cm x 9cm, this busy brass sheet contains a lot of small details that are spread over the entire airframe. The burner ring is detailed with a three-part concentric assembly that is laid over the simple kit part, the wheels are given detailed hubs and the gear legs are upgraded with small parts that are missed out from the kit, probably because tooling them in styrene would be expensive, impossible or both. The gear bays are treated to partial re-skinning with wall details, additional access hatches and latches, plus a plethora of internal wiring, which although it is rather two dimensional, does look effective once painted. The main bay roof is detailed with new louvered panels, and some small parts removed from the front face must be kept and re-attached, or replaced using the originals as a pattern. The ventral airbrakes are detailed with a set of tiny circular plates, and an auxiliary intake is cut out of the fuselage, a small box installed behind the hole, and a PE surround with flip-up intake. I can see the small box needing a little extra strength, as it has no flaps to improve the mating surface. A little styrene box-section on a couple of sides should increase the likelihood it will stay put, being careful not to baulk internal components in the process. Moving aft, the wing-glove boxes are detailed with additional fine parts, some of which are only deployed whilst the aircraft is on the ground. The airbrakes with side of the tail are upgraded with improved internal skins, as are their lower partners beneath the fuselage. There are a number of other small access panels and scab plates around the rear of the aircraft that require small parts of the fuselage to be removed, so ensure you have a sharp knife handy to accomplish the task tidily. The bullet fairing on the rear of the tail is detailed inside, presumably for display open if you choose to depict the braking parachute either deployed, discarded or under maintenance. A small "Christmas tree" antenna on the top of the tail, which is supplied as PE in the kit is replaced by a more accurate part, as is one under the nose, and the familiar "forest" of three antennae in front of the cockpit. The intakes of the Mig-23 are complex on the inside, with air smoothing guide-vanes and internal grilles behind the blow-in auxiliary air intakes, as well as some external details. The kit attempts at the vanes are crude, and are removed to be replaced by a pair of PE parts inside each intake. The grilles are made up simply from one part, and although the method is not shown, should be simple to implement with a bit of patience and some tweezers. Weapons - all variants (48756) Consisting of one bare brass fret measuring 13.4cm x 7cm, this set is a comprehensive upgrade for the weapons and their pylons. Due to the duplication of weapons and pylons, a number of identical parts are needed, filling the sheet and leaving little brass unused. All the pylons receive attachment surface skins to allow them to be left free of weapons, which applies to the multiple launch-rails. The R-60, R-27R/T, R-13M and R-3R missiles are all upgraded with exhaust details, scab plates and attachment points, as well as the rotating stabilising units on each of the rear fins where appropriate. All of the scab-on parts are shown in cross-section on scrap diagrams to establish exactly where they go in three dimensions, ensuring correct placement. Foreign Object Debris Guards - all variants (48758) When aircraft are parked between flights the sensitive areas of the airframe are covered with FOD guards to stop the ingress of debris that could result in expensive damage or compromise the functioning of the aircraft's sensors or other critical systems. This set provides a large number of assemblies for the main intakes, auxiliary blow-in intakes, the exhaust, plus 5-7 additional sensors depending on which variant you are building, all of which is documented as you go along. Larger FOD guards are usually strengthened by ribs stamped into their surface, which is replicated on these parts by the back of the part being etched away so that the front can be deformed outward by the application of a biro behind, leaving a soft convex ridge on the outer face. Having tried this before, it is surprisingly effective, but you have to be firm with the part, and place it on a soft surface such as a cutting mat. Review sample courtesy of

Whats the general verdict on the Trumpeter 1/32 Bf109's? They look nice in the box but I know Trumpeter's accuracy is a bit hit and miss. thanks Mike