James H

1:32 Fw 190 undercarriage and wheels Eduard Catalogue # see article for code and price Available from Eduard Well, barely has the brand new Revell Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8 hit the shelves, and there are already aftermarket items starting to appear. Having built the kit already, and despite it being a great release, there are a number of things which can indeed be improved, and these two new items from Eduard, tackle the biggest bugbear with this kit; namely the wheels and undercarriage. 632055, Fw 190F-8 wheels, €11,25 632057, Fw 190 undercarriage legs BRONZE, €17,25 Fw 190F-8 wheels The kit parts are pretty crap, to be honest, and not too inspiring, despite the hubs being more than passable. A problem with two-part treaded tyres is of course removing the seam adequately. It was pleasing to see that Eduard planned to tackle this and produce a corrected set of wheels, along with replacement hubs. This set is packaged into the familiar Brassin blister pack, with the contents protected with the use of soft form inserts. To add a little more cream, a set of masks is also included. This set represents the main 700 x 175 treaded tyres of the F-8, as well as supplying a single piece tailwheel replacement. All tyres are cast on their own blocks, and connected via the weighted area, and a thin web which runs around the bottom on the wheel. These are, through experience, very simple to remove and clean up prior to use. Tread detail on the main wheels is excellent, complete with raised detail showing the tyre size and the DUNLOP text. Yes! Dunlop! Here’s an image of a German tyre carrying the name. The tailwheel carries the CONTINENTAL logo, and has excellent hub detail moulded integrally. Even though I thought the kit hubs to be fine, they pale in significance against these resin replacements. Detail is sharp, with various plate and bolt head detail, plus the tyre inflation nipple on the recessed section of the outer hub. The hubs are cast over two blocks, and have a key on their reverse face, allowing correct orientation to the wheels. One small quirk I notice is that the hub locating hole for the bronze leg replacements, will need opening up slightly to accommodate them. The reason for this is that Eduard have made the struts with a more realistic axle diameter to the scrawny one in the kit. If you decide to use the kit legs, then they will fit exactly. Masks are supplied to help you paint these items, but I admit I prefer to paint the hubs separately, if at all possible. All masks are supplied on a single sheet of Kabuki masking material, and the cutting is nice and sharp. The instructions supply colour codes in Mr Hobby format, and mask application is clearly shown. Fw 190 undercarriage legs BRONZE Now we’re talking! Along with the poor tyres of the Revell kit come the anorexic and poorly detailed main gear legs. The axles on them are also so thin that simply gluing the wheels in place, caused the thin protrusions to melt and make the wheels sag. Eduard have now fixed this and produced a perfect product for this kit. Of course, there is also another reason for metal legs, and that is because the thin plastic ones would have to take more load if you add the resin components, such as the forthcoming cockpit and gun bay. I have asked if an engine will be made available, and as soon as I know, I’ll announce. This set is packaged in the same way as the wheels, and contains two beautifully cast bronze leg replacements. They actually look so good that it seems a shame to paint them! There really is no comparison when you look at these parts. A small mould paring seam needs to be removed on the compression strut, but that’s the only clean-up I see. These legs look more accurate with regards to diameter, and they contain all the detail that the kit missed, including a nice, thin brake line. The holes in the oleo scissors are also hollow. These struts also have the lower clips cast integrally to them. These are the parts which I believe were sometimes removed from service machines, although I don’t know if that’s correct. Connection points on the struts will mean that the correct angle is instantly attained. This set also provides replacement resin main gear doors, which are just stunning! Both are cast on their own block and connected via a thin resin wall. Door detail is first rate, both inside and out, and the strut fits perfectly to them, with no ambiguity. I just wish the retraction arms were also included in this set, but not to worry! Again, paint codes for Mr Hobby paints are supplied, and illustration is easy to follow. Conclusion For me, these are quite simply MUST-HAVE for the Revell kit, and addresses the shortcomings in this area. As I said, if you plan to load this model out with other resin and etch sets, then I consider at least the undercarriage legs, to be absolutely vital. With Eduard’s standard quality and attention to detail, you really can’t go wrong with either of these sets. VERY highly recommended My sincere thanks to Eduard for these review samples. To purchase directly, click the links in the article. James H

I was only thinking of this build last night and resurrecting my own build. Got to admit that I love the scratch work here. Very tempting and would open up the possibilities. You bought the Fw 189 yet?

1:12 Stormtrooper Bandai Catalogue # Available from Hobby Link Japan for ¥1,920 I recently took a look at Bandai’s new C-3PO release, and was pretty impressed with it. That was a subject I’ve always enjoyed since I was a kid, so I really couldn’t resist buying that one. However, Threepio was the only character to make the flight here from Japan. I also ordered the R2-D2 & R5-D4, Darth Vader, and the Stormtrooper kits. The latter is what I’m looking at today. I imagine that most of you will recognise the Stormtrooper instantly. This character, one of the evil Empire’s foot-soldiers, is famed for being able to shoot absolutely nothing, despite being deployed in great numbers. Irrespective of that, for me, this is just one of the coolest looking Sci-Fi creations of all time. Bandai’s box, as with C-3PO, shows an action shot of the character on the lid, with the posing options printed on the box edges. The box is another high quality, lustrous affair, and certainly an attractive entrée to the main course that we’ll now see. We have a slightly smaller sprue count that we did with C-3PO, with there being two bags containing FOUR sprues. One main sprue is moulded in white, and the other in black, with a couple of white parts moulded on there too. The remaining sprues are the polythene joint connector one, and also the mandatory display stand. Two decal sheets are included. These are identical, but give you a choice between waterslide decal and regular stickers. SPRUE A Underneath that shiny white armour, the Stormtrooper wore a black suit, and this is exactly what you find here, in a multitude of pieces; some recognisable, and others, not so much. Easily identifiable are upper and lower torso halves, into which fit the polycaps that the arms, legs and head plug into. The black suit doesn’t actually exist in its full form, under the white armour. Bandai have tackled this by moulding the various articulated joints in black, hiding those polycap parts again. Black parts are included which supplement the main white helmet armour. The kit is essentially designed so that painting isn’t necessary. As with C-3PO, options are yet again made available. In the case of the Stormtrooper, you can chose from four sets of hands with different poses, and of course, you will be able to mix and match between them, creating a far higher range of unique posing options. Those hands will also need something to grip, and there are THREE weapon options here, as well as an optional pouch which fits to the soldier’s utility belt. This even comes with a strap to securely fasten the weapon in place. Parts you will recognise on here are the ribbed, fabric neck protection, and the various parts of the helmet which are black, such as the eyes, mouth and the band which sits below the helmet dome. Notice also the display stand insert which is designed to specifically match the Stormtrooper’s foot. Two white parts are moulded here which form the left and right hand pouches which are fastened to the soldier’s utility belt. SPRUE B Seams could always have a potential to ruin your day with a project like this, but Bandai have done a great job in hiding these down the sides of ridges etc. A good example of this are the leg and arm parts. On the real thing, a beading runs down the sides or fronts of these key areas, and the seam runs immediately adjacent to that bead. Quite nifty, and a very good way to make this a pleasurable build. Whilst the engineering of this kit is generally very clever with regard to hiding seams, it may be a little less so with the helmet. The lower rear portion is moulded as left and right halves, with the seam running down the middle of the area. It’s no big deal to be able to remove this if painting later, but I can’t vouch for that if you want to leave this in bare plastic. Apart from that, the helmet is superbly designed with a total of 6 parts going into its construction. This model is fully articulated, as the separate upper and lower torso parts clearly indicate. Most of the external armour parts on this kit are used either or both in conjunction with the black sprue parts and the flexible joints sprue. The lower torso, built up from several parts including the detailed forward control panel. One thing I notice with this kit, as opposed to the C-3PO release is that the sprue connections aren’t on the joint faces but on the part paces themselves. Thankfully, Bandai have made these absolutely minimal, and some of the most thoughtful sprue gate implementation I’ve seen. SPRUE PC As I noted in the C-3PO review, it seemed that this sprue was common to all releases, and it does appear to be that way. Look on ‘PC’ as meaning ‘polycap’. Again, not all parts here are designed for use with this kit, and the plastic itself is flexible, aiding articulation of your finished project. Essentially, this sprue contains all the joint connectors and flexible sockets that fit within both the under-suit and armour of the Stormtrooper. The flexible torso connector is also a common part to the C-3PO release. SPRUE SWB2 The last sprue is again a common item, containing the display stand into which you will add the specific insert from the first sprue, designed to fit the Stormtrooper. The base is plain and black, and I would again look at doing something with this to represent the flooring in the Death Star, or similar. Plastic Summary I’m becoming quite a fan of Bandai’s quality of engineering and moulding, with the end result being very mindful of the modeller’s overall enjoyment. No defects can be seen, nor flash, seams and sink marks. Ejection pin marks simply don’t figure here. A triumph! DECALS Yes, even the Stormtrooper has a few of these, represented in both sticker and waterslide decal format. I would of course, always choose the waterslide type, and a little setting solution. Printing in both cases is excellent, with perfect register and nice detail. INSTRUCTIONS I’m not really a fan of Bandai’s format here. I wasn’t too bothered last time I reviewed C-3PO, but I have to say that a booklet would have been easier to handle and follow, instead of a long strip with both sides containing assembly detail spread among completed images etc. Still, you shouldn’t have too much trouble, unless you work on a small table. Just remember not to leave it all unfolded! Illustration is pretty clear, with the character being split into drawings in which the shaded portion is the one currently being constructed. The sheet also illustrates the options available in this release. Conclusion It must be the kid in me, but I’ve always wanted to build a model of a Stormtrooper, and this pretty much captures the look and feel of the character. I’m not sure if the waist looks a little thin, but in all, I can’t really complain. I do think a nice touch would have been a Han Solo or Luke Skywalker head, and a hollow helmet, allowing you to pose the figure as one of the good guys in the Stormtrooper armour, as seen in the first film. Hey, we can’t have it all ways. I think in some ways, we’re becoming spoilt. This really is a great little kit, and also very affordable. I just hope you don’t spend all your man-cave time posing him instead of building further projects! Highly Recommended Review kit courtesy of my wallet. To purchase directly, click THIS link. James H

1:32 BAE Systems Hawk T.1 2007 Special Schemes RAM Decal Catalogue # RAM32-001 Available from RAM Models for £13.50 In a slightly arse about face way, today we look at the first decal release from RAM Models, following on from their civilian Spitfire decal set that we looked at very recently. This one, unsurprisingly, focuses on the beautiful 2007 special scheme applied to a number of Hawk T.1 aircraft. This particular set caters to two specific machines: XX307 and XX205. As tends to be the format, this set is packaged into an A5 zip-lock wallet, with a colour-printed, folded A4 sheet within, and two decal sheets. One of these though appears to be just a small addition, maybe of decals which had been forgotten from the initial printing. There’s no doubt that the Hawk looks sleek and sexy in this scheme, and one of the two machines is shown in both side profiles on the cover. The only actual difference between both aircraft is the serial number on the rear fuselage, so with all intents, both schemes are nigh on the same. Open up the sheet, and you’ll see that the decals supplied are massively extensive. You really don’t need anything from the kit in order to complete these schemes….whether that is in national markings or even stencils. The decal placement sheet shows both side profiles again, as well as upper and lower plans. All decals are numbered and their positions easily locatable on the airframe. Despite the darkness of the scheme, the profiles have grey panel lines to accurately determine the correct position of each specific decal. As well as those profiles, a small number of other drawings are supplied for the nose and main gear struts, and also the internal main gear door faces. Colour codes are supplied here too, and given for BS, FS, Humbrol, Xtracolour, Xtracrylix, Lifecolor and ModelMaster paints. I would quite like to have seen Gunze and Tamiya codes, but it’s easy enough to work out the alternatives. The sheer number of supplied decals is extraordinary for an aftermarket set. Looking at the decal sheet, we can again see that Fantasy Printshop is responsible for production. This is always good news and I rate their decals very highly. Printing is reasonably thin, with minimal carrier film, solid colour and perfect registration. I know Ray Horwell is a perfectionist with this, so rest assured the quality will be spot-on. The large scheme coloured arcs and curves are the main event on this sheet, and flank the multitude of other decals on there. Your work is really cut out with this set, so take plenty of time at the bench, and a few cups of coffee. Silver decals are also included, allowing you to neatly trim the edge of the canopy. Silver decals are also included for the explosive wires which are connected to the canopy itself. I really don’t know how these would fare though, as decals attached to transparencies is rarely a recipe for success. However, they are there. Due to printing limitations and other factors with screen printing, the roundels have been printed with a separate red centre. The remainder of the sheet is made of from many, many stencil decals, and walkway panel lines. These are very fine indeed, and certainly rival those more commonly seen on the sheets supplied with the kits. Conclusion A first-rate decal set which both beautifully represents the T.1 scheme, and has been meticulously reproduced with its multitude of stencils which pertain to the predominantly black scheme colour. Production is also first rate, and you really should find nothing here that will be difficult. Maybe it’s time to go and source myself that Revell kit now. Highly recommended My sincere thanks to RAM Models for this review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link. James H

That looks great. Real unusual that Silverwings would make a booboo like that with the engine and cowl. I reckon this will be done in a week.

I just got this beauty:

Can these be added to the GB area? DONE!!

This is so cool. How did you find the fuselage lined up? No steps? Can't wait to see the PZL they release.

Cheers! I'm still learning

Do it! N O W

This is seriously nice. These wood and metal 229s seem in-vogue, and you're doing this some serious justice.

I think they do, but just provide an alternative to painting. The gold will remain, but it needs to be flattened down and weathering added, so it's fine to keep.

That'll buy you around a dozen of them

Jesus! I hate you!!!

1:12 C-3PO ‘Protocol Droid’ Bandai Catalogue # BAN996418 Available from Hobby Link Japan for ¥2,800 This one really needs no introduction. If you’ve never heard of, or seen C-3PO, then you must’ve been living with your head rammed in a certain physical extremity, for the last 40 years almost. This is probably the most lovable and well-known arthropod droid that has ever hit the silver screen. Along with his sidekick, R2-D2, this golden tin can character is probably one of the most loved from the original Star Wars film trilogy. Bandai? I always thought they produced electronic video games! I suppose I'm showing my age How I remember Bandai C-3PO (or Threepio) is just one of a number of 1:12 Star Wars figures that have been released by Bandai, and one of four that I have here. I decided to look at this one first, simply to show both the technologies and design features that Bandai have crammed into this release. If you can remember the 1:48 Fieseler Storch that Tamiya released a few years ago, then you will have found the coloured/clear sprue to have been quite a novelty. That seems to be pretty par for the course these days, with some manufacturers. Bandai have used this to good effect; not just with colour, but also with some sprue parts being flexible. Bandai’s Star Wars releases look just sumptuous in their presentation. As with the other kits in this series, this one is packaged into a highly glossy box that shows the main character on the lid, and with a series of model images and options highlighted around the box edges. Unfortunately, all descriptive text is in Japanese, so I can’t readily translate for you. If you have a Smartphone, such as the iPhone, then there are real-time translators that can hack this text for you. C-3PO contains SIX sprues, some of which are sub-divided into a number of other sprues, and packed into heat-sealed cellophane wrappers. Two packets contain a number of connected sprues that are plated in a gold, mirror finish. Another has a single sprue that is chrome plated. C-3PO had a replacement leg which wasn’t of the same gold finish, and this caters to that, as well as a number of other parts. One packet contains two black sprues (one rigid and one flexible), plus a waterslide decal sheet. The last packet is the most unusual sprue I have EVER seen. It is mainly black styrene, but also has gold, red and clear elements, with the red parts appearing to be flexible. That is a neat bit of moulding on behalf of Bandai. Very impressive. SPRUE A This is the sprue which really captivates me due to its multicolour mouldings. The predominantly black moulding contains a number of interconnection parts, such as the torso midriff and the inside hand. The famous torso with its wiring is well depicted here. This is supplemented by a few parts that are moulded in red plastic too, plus mute gold. What this kit does supply are decals in both waterslide and sticker format, and a sticker/decal is supplied for the midriff connecting point. Clear parts are provided for the eyes, and also the electronics module that is located in the panel on the rear of C-3PO’s torso. Look at the arms of C-3PO, and you will see various linkages. Most of these are integral to the mouldings we’ll see in a moment, but the extras are provided here. If you want these to match the other parts, then you really need to airbrush them in something akin to Mr Metal Color Brass/Gold. These are far friendlier to apply than the Alclad colours, and don’t have the same noxious whiff. SPRUE B1 This is a single sprue, and one that is gold plated. A good number of C-3PO’s key parts are here, such as the head shell parts, upper torso, lower torso, and some head and connective parts. Two chest plates are included, one of which has an attachment part of some sort. Sorry, I can’t elaborate further, but if you are a Star Wars buff, you may know exactly what this is. That forward plate is interchangeable too, with the part simply plugging over an internal plate, also on this sprue. Look at the rear torso plate and you can see that the access door for the electronics unit, is a separate part. That electronics unit is also included and the door can be removed to show this. The head is split into a rear shell, interconnecting plate, and the forward shell. Two options are provided here, with one of them having a dent in the forehead. Again, I don’t know the significance of this. I only ever saw the first Star Wars film, and that’s where my knowledge begins and ends. Clear parts are provided for the eyes. I was just thinking how great it would be to model these with a nice, soft light filtering through them. I think I may just do that, as there is plenty of space in the stand to house a switch and any resistors required. That stand also comes with an optional post onto which Threepio can be mounted (charging post?), and because of this, a small plate to the rear of the lower torso, can be removed if you want to pose the model like this for a while. I have to say it does nothing for me, and perhaps detracts a little from the character standing on its own two feet. Other parts on this sprue include one of the integral arm halves, ball sockets for both arms, one of the knee joints, upper left leg halves and electronics unit panel. SPRUES B2/B4/B5/B6/B7/B8 These sprues are connected together to make a larger sprue, and again all finished in metallic gold. It’s now that we see a couple of other options. Notice that the regular bent arms are supplied as halves, with the actuators moulded on them. If you want to pose the arms in a less bent position, then you can make these from a series of individual parts, such as upper/lower halves and separate actuators. It will be useful to use one of these other arms if you wish to pose the model in this iconic way, as the arms and hands can rotate. Optional hands are also included, with the fingers less bent on one set. I really do like the options available here. Due to the arm actuators, it wasn’t really feasible to have a fully moving unit, and I think Bandai’s compromise is certainly very workable. All limbs are movable to a degree, including the legs, and here you see the upper right leg, and the lower left, plus the left foot with a separate sole. Bandai also did a great job of moulding the upper arm/shoulder connection parts, although these are a number of parts that unfortunately have the sprue connections on the part face. As these are very minor parts, they will easily be touched up. SPRUE B3 The reason this sprue is moulded separately is instantly evident. Yes, it’s finished in chrome, and not gold. C-3PO had a chrome finish lower right leg which was obviously shown to be either a replacement, or from another droid. As a result, this sprue contains the lower leg halves, knee joint, actuator, foot and sole. Lastly, the electronics unit is to be found here. SPRUE PC ‘PC’, I hear you say. Yes! I think the best way to look at this is that it might mean ‘Poly cap’. The plastic is flexible, and contains a multitude of joint connectors. Instructions show that not all of these parts are to be used, so it must a sprue that is common to a number of releases. As well as the joint connectors, the flexible torso connectors are also moulded here. SPRUE SWB3 This last sprue contains the model’s plinth. As this is a common part, it has a hole within it that is plugged with a specific part on the first black sprue. Notice that a small connector part is also supplied, which is ideal for joining the base for the R2-D2 kit. With these joined, I might be inclined to add some yellow sand to the base, simulating the Tatooine surface. Plastic Summary Moulding is seriously high quality, with plenty of detail and minimal clean up required. The latter is essential when you consider the metal plating on the majority of parts. No defects can be seen, and you really don’t need to worry about ejector pin marks here! DECALS As I have already mentioned, both waterslide and sticker options are given for all of these. I’m not a fan of stickers, and at least with the decals, you’ll be able to get them to bed down nicely with setting solutions. Printing, in both cases, is excellent. Instructions This is printed on a long, fold-out sheet, and shows every single section of the model, referenced against a drawing that highlights the specific section under construction. Very clever, but then, quite necessary as most folks simply won’t be able to understand the Japanese text. Options aren’t as obvious to start with, and you will need to study the instructions for a couple of hours first. Printing is in a combination of black & white, plus colour, with a number of model photographs included. Conclusions Just wow!! I know some modellers will be concerned with plated parts, and won’t like them……BUT, remember that this finish is a perfect base onto which to add a combination of satin and matt varnishes to simulate the tarnished finish of the real thing. Accentuated with grime and sand, then you really should have a replica of C-3PO that is very close to the movie character. You will need to follow the instructions illustrations closely so that you understand the options available to you, but that is only because of my lack of understanding of the Japanese language! Whilst I’m no fan of Sci-Fi, this and a number of other kits from the same range, are manna from heaven for me. These iconic characters were a big part of my childhood, and to see them immortalised in an amazing kit is just what I’ve wanted to see for many years. Thanks for fulfilling that guilty passion, Bandai! VERY highly recommended Review kit courtesy of my own wallet. To buy this directly, click THIS link. James H

I don't think I've seen one of these built, so thanks for sharing this with us. Beautiful work! Oh, and Welcome to Large Scale Modeller

The candy stripe frame paint on the canopy frame looks great. Wish I'd done that.

This looks amazing Nick! Real good to see what you're doing with this one. You enjoying it so far?

Looks a great kit. I'd like to see it built up

I would love to see this as a regular build too.

Also paid for my Fw 189 pre-order today, for a little more HpH resin loveliness...

Now this one is very interesting. Such a great kit, and I can't wait to see how this turns out in Nippon colours.

1:32 Do 335 Pfeil EagleCals Catalogue EC#164 Available from Eagle Editions for $19.50 For me personally, if there ever was a decal set that arrived at just the right time, it’s this particular one from Eagle Editions. Last year, I built a test shot of the HK Models Do 335B-2 ‘Heavy Fighter’ for the Military Illustrated Modeller magazine, and recently I began work on the standard Do 335A-0/1 which is slated for release later this year. As this is a test shot too, I have no decals. Luckily for me, this new decal release is also designed for this particular variant. As with all Eagle Editions releases, this is packed into a small zip-lock wallet, with the main instructions being folded, and also forming the product image page. Also inside the package is another sheet with some reference photos, and TWO decal sheets. The front sheet illustrates the profiles for the FOUR schemes that are possible in this pack, published in a smaller format. Actually, I am not entirely correct in saying that only four schemes are available. One of these is for the heavily weathered, captured machine in US markings. This is the one which resides at the NASM. Even though the scheme shows this in those markings, it also carries obliterated Luftwaffe markings, and as these are supplied in an untarnished form, you can opt to build this as it flew with the Germans. So, in effect……FIVE schemes (or at least 4 ½ schemes!) When you fold out the main sheet, strangely enough, two of the pages show the four profiles again, in larger scale, with their decal placement codes. Both pages are totally identical. On one facing page, some historical and colour notation is supplied for each machine. I note that the underside colour is given as RLM65. I built my previous Do 335 with an RLM76 underside, which I thought to be correct, but this tells me otherwise. As I ran out of RLM76 though, I’m not complaining. I know that Eagle Editions sets are meticulously researched, with this set being aided by the talents of Marc Proulx. All schemes are very similar with the exception of one machine which has a natural metal finish to the rear fuel tank panel. Another machine is shown to have no forward firing guns over the cowl, so you will need to modify the kit for this scheme. However, this is a very simple modification. If you choose to build the captured machine, you will need to add some heavy weathering to the standard Luftwaffe scheme, including of course, those overpainted markings. One image I have seen of this also shows it without its undercarriage doors, so that is always an option too. The rear of the sheet shows the placement of the wing decals, and unlike the B-2 kit, none of the underside wing codes run into the main gear door areas, so this will be a little easier to complete. However, you still have the rear engine doors to negotiate for the fuselage codes and Balkenkreuz. These are supplied as intact items, and will need slicing if you wish to pose those engine doors in an open position. A single sheet is also included, showing two black & white photographs of two machines from the chosen schemes. Lots of very good weathering and diorama ideas can be gleaned from these, and again, it’s Marc Proulx who supplied the images. Colour profiles are created by Simon Schatz. Eagle Editions continue to choose Cartograf to print their decals, and we really have no complaints there. Printing is amazingly thin, but with good, solid colour and minimal carrier film. The decals also have a high gloss finish to them, plus, they are in perfect register. All of the various serials, codes and the American markings, are found on the first sheet. With one machine, it can’t be determined whether the code suffix is ‘PN’ or ‘PO’. In this case, decals are provided for both options. A small suite of stencils is also provided. I don’t think the Do 335 had many stencils anyway, so these are probably pretty complete. The second sheet carries the German markings, including swastikas. However, these are two part decals, so escape the ironically fascist laws that some post-fascist governments now employ. Thankfully, Eagle have created these with a complete outline, making it easy to properly position. You then add the central portion to complete the nasty Nazi symbol. The machines depicted in this release are: Do 335A-02, VG+PH, W.Nr.240102, December 1945 (captured) Do 335A-02, VG+PH, W.Nr.240102, April 1945 (under German use) Do 335A-0, W.Nr.240105, München-Riem, April 1945 Do 335A-0, VG+PN (PO?), W.Nr.240108, December 1944 Do 335A-1, W.Nr.240162, Oberpfaffenhofen, April 1945 Conclusion As I said, for me, these are perfectly timed. In fact, until the HK and ZM releases of the Do 335A-0/1 later this year, we won’t see too many of these appear in 1:32 projects, but remember that Eagle also sell these in 1:48 and 1:72 scales too. Production is excellent, and despite the lack of general variety for the Do 335, I think these particular choices are inspired. The accompanying historical and scheme notation is better than anything you generally see on the market at the moment. Very highly recommended My sincere thanks to Eagle Editions for sending this sample to us. To buy directly, click THIS link. James H.

1:32 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX MH434 in Civil Service RAM Decals Catalogue # RAM32-002 Available from RAM Models for £9.99 If you’ve ever tired of seeing endless lines of Spitfire Mk.IX models that have been finished in standard camo schemes, and long for something very different for your project, then you could do far worse than model MH434. This particular Spit has been in many films etc. wearing various paint schemes, including a brown and green BoB scheme. However, if you want a total break from the norm, then this is a sheet which I’m sure will hold appeal. How about a Spit in a civilian scheme? Yes, MH434 in one of its more beautiful paint jobs. RAM Models/Decals are possibly a name you haven’t yet heard of. Being a regular online model shop for a period, they now aim to produce their own extensive range of decal sheets, and it looks like they aim to cover those schemes which are a little more leftfield than those which are released by their contemporaries. This specific release is a perfect example of how to grab a modeller’s attention in a single release! Packed into an A5 zip-lock bag, this set focuses on MH434 when it carried the civilian code G-ASJV. A folded A4 sheet shows this scheme, on the front, in both port and starboard profile. Open it up and the profiles are supplied again, but along with both upper and lower plans. What makes this scheme so beautiful are the colours used, and their breakdown. All wings, tail-plane and lower fuselage are shown as silver. From this, I presume this would be what is known as ‘High Speed Silver. The upper fuselage is painted white. Breaking up the border between the silver and white, are tapering blue flashes, flanked by a narrow black trim line on either side. Wingtips are also blue, with a narrow white and black band on the inboard face. A single decal sheet is supplied with this set, and the biggest hitters on here are the tapering blue strips for the fuselage. These run full length from the forward cowl, to the rudder post. A separate length extends over the rudder. Now, I am a little concerned here, as the compound curves of the cowl must be negotiated. It all depends on how well the decals mould to the shapes. I think it would have been useful to have had a little extra material for this area, in case things don’t close up. Looking at the plans and the wing tips, I am assuming that the clear strip running between the blue and the black, will need to show the white paintwork. If this is the case, and I’m sure it is, you will need to carefully mark the lower silver fuselage within 1mm of accuracy, along the full length of the fuse. Not impossible of course, but will perhaps mean that you should carefully replicate the curve along some card and use this as your masking and painting guide. Of course, there are the civilian codes to apply to both the stripe and to the wings, and also a rather neat flag onto the fin. This comes with a separate red section to make up the Union Flag. Be careful with the wingtip decal application, as you want to ensure that you get this to touch all the way around the tip diameter. The instructions do give paint references codes for numerous manufacturers, but I can’t vouch for the blue exactly matching the decal. After all, manufacturers have their own interpretations of specific colours too. What isn’t mentioned in the instructions are any modifications to the airframe, from its military format. Of course, the gun ports would be faired over….but was this with individual plates, or a new leading edge? Check your references. This applies to the shell ejection chutes too. Presumably, there were a number of cockpit differences too. Again, try to get a little extra information. The decal sheet is printed by Fantasy Printshop, and really is excellent. Colour definition is great, and everything is solid. Carrier film is minimal, and registration is perfect. Conclusion As I have said, you will need to reference some areas of this aircraft before you can proceed. This goes for both airframe and scheme, but, should you do that successfully, and apply that stripe, then you will have one amazingly beautiful Spitfire for your display. RAM are to be applauded for tacking this subject. If of course, the stripe frightens you a little, then dare I say it, you could use it as a basis to mask that part of the model, and of course use the remainder of the decals as standard. The options are there, and hopefully I provided a few ideas for you to pursue, should you purchase this very nice decal release. Highly recommended My sincere thanks to RAM Models for this review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link. James H

Great looking Fokker I'm only jealous because I'm crap at armour.