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In 2024-2025 Trumpeter is to release a 1/32nd Lockheed S-3B Viking kit - ref. 03236 Source: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Ug4y1S7Sh/ V.P.

Trumpeter is to release a 1/72nd Lockheed S-3 Viking kit - ref. 01653 Source: https://tieba.baidu.com/p/8249037080 V.P.

My daughter (visiting) was looking through her grandparents' honeymoon album, and wanted me to make her a model of the aircraft they flew from Northolt to Paris on. The photo (above) makes no sense: On the G-INFO database, the registration in the photo refers to a JUNKERS JU52/3MG8E, (& the photo is of a Viking!) Either it is a fake or photoshopped photo (unlikely, as my father pasted the photo into the album in March 1951), or the registration had been re-issued (which practically EVERYONE claims has never been done. Anyway, I presume the photo is genuine, so, onward I press with the model. I was all prepared to start scratchbuilding a Vickers Viking at 1/33 scale (my preferred scale). Few days later, in the post I received a Valom 1/72 Vickers Viking C (Valettta). She had sent it to me. I normally AVOID consumer plastic construction kits like the PLAGUE! But here goes- I thought I'd share my journey here on Britmodeller. I saw @TheyJammedKenny! posts and they give me some useful pointers, so, thanks, Kenny!

A white-metal 54mm kit of a 10th Century Viking. Some parts were missing when I bought it and I added some extras I started this for the BM 10th Anniversary GB two years ago. I found him hiding in a small plastic box on one of my MU shelves. Since the end of the GB I had done some more painting and last night I did a lot more detail painting and got him on to the prepared base.

Hard to believe there isn't a newer 1/72 tooling of the S-3 than the 70s Hasegawa kit. It's still really nice though, and the fit was amazing. I added a little bit of cockpit detail, mainly replacing the kit seats with resin items, and re-scribed the model. The engine intakes looked a bit narrow compared to photos so I widened them a touch. Markings are a combination of masking/painting, kit, and home-made decals.

Got the groundwork painted last night, and attached the viking and some foliage and 'her er' - Finished. Really enjoyed painting this little chap, he is so full of character and nothing tricky to paint at all. Pretty much 1:1 scale view; Larger views; Thanks for looking in.

Hi all, Am also jumping in with a 'Hoover', this oldie from Hasegawa in 1/72. Will be built OOB with decals for VS-33 Screwbirds. Photos to follow this evening. Good luck with your builds! Cheers, Dermot

This is my take on the Revell 1/50 scale Viking Ship. I know next to nothing about Norse Long Ships, but the model looks a lot to me like the 9th Century Gokstad ship displayed at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway. The kit matches that graceful design pretty closely, right down to the hand made look of the clinker-constructed hull planks. After the quick hull assembly was a lot of less-than-exciting parts clean up: 64 shields, 32 oars, a two-part mast and numerous other assorted bits... but this really is a nicely designed kit. The dragon head, for example, is apparently inspired by a real one from the 5th Century – pretty cool: Plus, Revell’s molded-in wood grain detail is phenomenal! I gave the “wood” parts a Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow acrylic base coat, and the only color is the Tamiya XF-63 German Grey for the “iron” bits – shield bosses, figurehead mounts, and mast hardware. I let the paint cure for a couple of days, and then did a streaky wash with Grumbacher Raw Umber artist's oil to bring out the wood grain. It was very straightforward project, and with nearly everything the same wood color things went pretty fast. Except for the rolled facial tissue sail, everything on the model was right out of the box – a great relaxation build!

Viking (IX Century) 1:72 ICM The latest figure in ICM's popular series of 1:16 figures is this ninth century Viking. The ninth century was, of course, the period in time when the Vikings rampaged through ancient Britain, subjugating most of the seven ancient kingdoms before having their progress halted by King Alfred, the great king of Wessex (now he would make a great figure). The kit is spread across two sprues of grey styrene. One holds the figure itself, while the other holds the armour, shield and weapons. There is a separate black pedestal. The parts are very well moulded with no sign of flash or other imperfections and the sculpted face of the figure is simply outstanding. The overall impression is of a well-executed kit which looks like it should be thoroughly enjoyable to build. As Julien has pointed out, the instructions are somewhat vague, comprising as they do a colour diagram of the completed figure with the part numbers identified. That said, as its a figure you'd have to be trying really hard to glue the legs on back-to-front. The figures comes with both sheathed and unsheathed swords, a knife, axe, shield and three arrows which can be fixed to the shield in order to enhance the sense of drama. The weapons appear to be accurate for the period. The painting diagram is nice and clear and colour references are provided for Revell and Tamiya paint. This is one model where you can use whatever you have to hand, however, for the colour references are only a guide and it's pretty obvious what colour the steel and leather components of the kit should be. Conclusion This is a lovely figure and it should prove to be immensely enjoyable to build. It will require a different painting technique to most other modern kits, so if you're better with the sable than an airbrush, you should enjoy this. I hope ICM follow up with some more kits in this range and perhaps some up with some modern replacements for the old IMEX medieval knights series. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

After the 1/48th kit (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234947699-148-grob-g103a-twin-astir-ii-acro-viking-t1-glider-resin-kit-by-heritage-aviation-released/), Heritage Aviation/Kits For Cash has just released a 1/72nd Grob 103A Twin Astir II Acro /Viking T.1 resin kit. Source: http://www.kitsforcash.com/grob-viking-air-cadet-glider-new-issue-grab-them-while-you-can-22308-p.asp RAF Air cadet Viking T.1: http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/vikingt1.cfm Source: http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=9&p=162583 V.P.

S&M Models has just released a new tool 1/72nd Vickers Viking resin kit - ref.SMK72-36 Sources: http://sandmmodels.co.uk/misc-news/vickers-viking-now-in-stock/ http://sandmmodels.co.uk/product/vickers-viking/ V.P.

Broplan from Poland has just announced a family of 1/72nd Vickers Valetta and Viking vacuform kits. ref. MS-178 - Vickers VC.1 Viking C.2 (RAF VL233,VL247) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-vc1-viking-c2--raf-vl233vl247-ms-178-broplan-ms-178-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126402 ref. MS-179 - Vickers VC.1 Viking B.1 (British European Airways) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-vc1-viking-b1--british-european-airways-ms-179-broplan-ms-179-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126403 ref. MS-180 - Vickers Valetta T.3 (RAF VX564,WJ461) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-valetta-t3--raf-vx564wj461-ms-180-broplan-ms-180-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126404 ref. MS-181 - Vickers Valetta T.4 (RAF WJ486) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-valetta-t4--raf-wj486-ms-181-broplan-ms-181-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126405 V.P.

The ES-3A Shadow was a spin off from the Lockheed S-3 Viking which was designed as a specialist in Anti Submarine Warfare. The ES-3A was developed for Long Range Electronic Reconnaissance (ELINT). 16 S-3's have been converted to ES-3A with numerous antennas and specialized equipment. ES-3A's replaced the aging EA-3B Skywarrior and joined the US Navy in 1991. ASW and ELINT where used less and less and the ES-3A's quickly had another task, airborne refuelling station. A rather expensive solution. Only two squadrons where formed, VQ-5 Sea Shadows and VQ-6 Black Ravens. VQ-5 was assigned to Pacific Fleet Squadron and VQ-6 to the Atlantic. The ES-3A's flew as a Detachment (DET) to the carriers air wing. They used the groups letters on the tail. In 1999 all 16 ES-3A's where retired early and put into AMARG storage at AFB Davis Monthan, Arizona. Ordinary Vikings flew until 2009, often also a tanker with the well known Buddy Pod and a 300 USG tank on the other wing. I got this kit from a friend of mine and I have a lot of extra's. I plan to build a S-3B in the distant future where I will be using the Goffy Models sets as well as the Paragon wing folds. So it's Eduard and Wolfpack. I am thinking of backdating the Wolfpack IP to a ES-3A as some might be seen through the canopy. I don't plan to correct all other panels, since I only have picture of the ES-3A cockpit.. Thanks Erik! fltr.. AMT S-3A canopy, ES-3A and the Squadron, which has been vacformed over the other, making it a bit too big.. Doug's lovely Royale Resin wheels vs AMT.. AMT vs Wolfpack 133.. I'll be using Attack Squadron 300USG tank and the Wolfpack set for the Buddypod.. I like a lot.. IT FITS right away.. Let's check what will be visible..

After the Valetta and classic Viking ( http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234972524-172-vickers-valetta-and-viking-vacuform-kit-by-broplan-released-new-boxing) Broplan from Poland is to release 1/72nd Vickers Type 618 Nene Viking vacuform kits with injection moulded small parts and Alps decals. - ref. MS-188 - Vickers Type 618 Nene Viking Source: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-type-618-nene-viking-ms-188-broplan-ms-188-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LH3559f65f0a21cbb5ab6aa20713&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=131080 - ref. MS-189 - Vickers Type 618 Nene Viking (RAF) Source: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-type-618-nene-viking-raf---ms-189-broplan-ms-189-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LH3559f65f0a21cbb5ab6aa20713&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=131081 V.P.

Grob Viking Glider 1:48 Heritage Aviation Models The Grob G103A Twin II, or Viking T.1 in RAF service is a high performance twin seater sailplane or glider made by Grob Aircraft of Germany. The aircraft is made of glass fibre featuring a T-tail configuration. It has a six inch main wheel fitted behind the centre of gravity equipped with a hydraulic brake, and a nose wheel. Approach control is handles by top surface Schempp-Hirth type airbrakes. A total of 549 aircraft were produced with 100 being bought by The Royal Air Force for it's Air Cadets training programme. The aircraft is also used in the same role by The Belgian Air Cadets. The kit There is not much to this one. The kit consists of a one part moulded main fuselage, including the rudder. The two main wings, the tailplane, two seats, two instrument panels and two control columns. Care will be needed in cleaning up the main fuselange as the landing wheels are moulded on. The resin casting is good with no short shot areas or pinholes visible anywhere. Clean up will be minimal with none needed on the main wings. Canopy The canopy on this one is vacformed, its good that there are two because if you are like the reviewer you invariably stuff one up. The canopy is clear and well moulded. Decals The decals are printed by Fantasy Printshop and look up to their excellent standards. It looks like you are able to build any glider currently in service with the serials provided. The orange stripes for the nose and rudder are provided, however the rest of the orange areas on the wings will have to be painted. Instructions To quote from the Instructions "Its not exactly rocket science this one, so we'll let the pictures do the talking". Well they say a picture is worth a 1000 words but not here I am sorry to say. While fitting the main parts is no problem you are faced with different sized seats, and different sized instrument panels. No mention is made of which goes in which cockpit. I am told by someone who has flown one of these that the larger items go on the rear cockpit. A colour match for the orange to match the decals would also be helpful. Conclusion I think this is the only kit available of the Grob, with good resin casting and excellent decals the kit should make up into a nice model. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of Ian at

Hi everyone, I'd like to present my ES-3A Shadow by Italeri. I just finished the model yesterday after a 10-month build. The S-3 Viking kit itself is ok, whereas the Shadow specific parts are absolutely horrible and don't fit at all. Im quite pleased with the result, of course some minor bits bug me, but in general I'm happy. I hope you like the model! That's it! Cheers

Hi All, whilst review my stash recently I came across a Hasegawa Viking kit (1/72 scale) bought at an air show For some reason there is no cockpit canopy in my box (either I've mis-placed it or it was missing when i purchased the kit) Does any one have any suggestions how I could get a replacement? I know there is a Vac formed one available in 1/48 scale but not aware of 1/72 Thanks for any suggestions!! E

Lockheed S-3 Viking. Aircraft at Pima Air& Space Museum Pics thanks to Allan. Pics thanks to Mike.

Italeri is to re-issue very soon (February 2014) the old ESCI/AMT 1/48th Lockheed ES-3A Shadow kit - ref. 2735 Sources: http://www.italeri.com/news_scheda.asp?idNews=370 https://www.facebook.com/ItaleriModelKit?ref=stream&hc_location=timeline#!/photo.php?fbid=603297979742826&set=a.455661954506430.102186.454765391262753&type=1&theater Box art V.P.

S-3A Viking 1:72 Hasegawa The Lockheed S-3 Viking was developed in the late sixties as a replacement for the piston-engined S-2 Tracker in the anti-submarine warfare role. As Lockheed had little experience of developing carrier-based aircraft, Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) was invited to join the project in order to help develop parts of the airframe such as the wing fold mechanism. The resulting aircraft flew for the first time on 1972 and entered service just two years later. In total, 188 examples were completed. Unusually for a front-line combat aircraft, the S-3 Vikings design deployed high-bypass turbofan engines of the type commonly used for commercial airliners. These were selected in order to give the Viking sufficient endurance to allow it to loiter for long periods of time an essential requirement for anti-submarine work. The aircraft carried a crew of four a pilot, co-pilot/tactical coordinator, an additional tactical coordinator and a sensor operator. The Viking was a true child of the Cold War, developed at a time when tensions between East and West were at their height. When it found its intended role disappearing from under its feet at the end of the Cold War, it had to be adapted to other roles such as strike, ELINT and air-to-air refuelling. Having seen action in the Gulf War, it was finally retired from US Navy use in 2009. Although Hasegawas Viking has been around for a good few years now, it is still the most recent kit of the type in 1:72 scale. It enjoys a good reputation for accuracy and fit too, although its not a cutting edge kit by any stretch of the imagination. The kit is made up of ninety parts spread across four sprues of grey plastic and one clear sprue, all packed into a reasonably large, top-opening box. Hasegawas moulds always seem to pretty robust, and this is no exception, although there is a little flash creeping in here and there. Surface detail is comprised of consistently fine, raised panel lines, except for those around the control surfaces, which are recessed. The large cockpit isnt too bad by Hasegawas standards, although it only includes the pilots and co-pilots positions. The floor of the cockpit includes a centre console with some raised detail. Onto this part you have to add two ejection seats and two control columns, both of which look ok, if a little simplified, as well as the rear bulkhead. The instrument panel itself is devoid of detail, but a decal is provided instead. Overall it will probably pass muster, but if you arent happy with it then Pavla make an excellent resin version which also includes the rear crew positions. The cut-out steps that provide crew access are provided as a separate part, which is a neat touch. Moving on to the rest of the airframe, the separately moulded nose gear bay features some nice if fairly basic structural detail, but the main gear bays are quite plain in comparison. The upper part of the cantilever wing is moulded as a single span, which means fewer seams to clean up and no issues trying to get the anhedral right. The large trailing edge flaps are moulded as separate parts. Each engine pod is made up of left and right halves, the front and back faces of the turbine and the low-pressure turbine/nozzle. Finishing touches such as the undercarriage legs and wheels are very nicely detailed. A full-length MAD boom is included, but if you want to display it in the stowed position then you just have to stick it further into the fuselage. A small selection of ordnance is included, namely two drop tanks and six Mk.82 bombs complete with ejector rack. Im pretty sure previous iterations of this kit have featured a tinted plastic canopy. This one doesnt, and I for one think that this is a bit of a shame. Although it is perfectly possible to tint plastic with translucent paint such as Tamiyas Smoke, its nice not to have to. Decal options are provided for two aircraft: 9741 of VS-28 Hukkers, USS Forrestal, US Navy; and 8871 of VS-38 Griffins, USS Ranger, US Navy 2009. The decals are very nicely printed and even the whites look whiter than the usual slightly cream colour that other Hasegawa decals have. Conclusion Despite its age, this is a pretty decent kit. The raise panel lines will put some off, but they really shouldnt as under a good paint job this kit will still look good. It may be missing a few fine details here and there, but it gets most of the basics right. Whats more, its the only 1:72 Viking currently in production! Recommended. Review sample courtesy of UK distributors for