James H

That's a sweet build Kev. I love the JV44 schemes. I still feel like building another. Great to see you here too. I hope you'll share your work with us....that He 162 perhaps?

Hi Derek, I'll sort that right now for you. Stand by for 'vendorship'

Garth, that is sickeningly superb. I hope you'll do something for the Great War GB this year. I'd love to see you take part for the chance of one of our prizes. We need to start a photography topic too so you can tell us how you got these amazing visuals.

Ok, that answers it. We still have Hotmail issues. I've made a post about this in this very forum area. http://forum.largescalemodeller.com/topic/124-attention-hotmail-users-and-other-validating-members/

What ISP are you with? Do you use free-mail etc?

1:48 Bf 109E 'BIGSIN' Eduard Catalogue # SIN64807 Available from Eduard for 78,75 € The set, for the time being at least, signifies the last of Eduard's releases for super-detailing their own quarter-scale Bf 109E kit range. Each of the resin sets within this box, have been released separately in the recent past, and indeed, we've reviewed them on the SP&R website a short while ago. The BIGSIN packages offer a way to buy all sets, all at once, and for a slightly reduced price. Let's see what resin goodies are 'under the hood'. Bf 109E 'BIGSIN' contains the following sets 648058, Bf 109E wheels 648059, DB 601A/N engine 648060, Bf 109E MG 17 mount 648074, Bf 109E cockpit & radio compartment I have left a link in each of the above item lines so you may reference the original reviews. Essentially, there is no difference in any of the included sets, but we will use this article to summarise this BIGSIN release. Eduard's BIGSIN range have some very attractively priced and presented product lines for those modellers who wish to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at their particular project. Packaged into an attractive, generic satin finish, top opening box with lid and edge product specific labels, the interior of the box is heavily lined in bubble-wrap, with each original upgrade set parts being packed into their own zip-lock wallets. Photo-etch parts and masks for these sets are sealed into a separate zip-lock wallet, with card stiffeners to protect the frets from damage. Instructions are supplied for each individual upgrade set by means of colour printed, folded sheets. 648058, Bf 109E wheels This set comprises FIVE parts, cast in a combination of light and dark grey resin. Each wheel is cast onto its own block, with the external hub 'star' being a separate part due to the undercut design of the assembled parts. This produces a very accurate representation of this aspect of the 109, which is sadly lacking in the majority of other Bf 109E kits. The tail wheel and strut are integrally cast, with excellent detail, and a minimum of flash to remove from the strut itself. Masks are supplied for the hubs on both main wheels and tail wheel. Single sheet instructions are provided for clarity, and no kit surgery is required to install this set. Parts are a direct replacement. 648059, DB 601A/N engine I suppose I could say that the only downside of the BIGSIN packaging is that the items in each detail set are included in one zip-lock bag, whereas the original release would have had multiple packets to prevent part damage. Still, nothing in this set is damaged at all, given the capacious interior of the main packaging and bubble-wrap. This set contains TWENTY-FOUR resin parts, cast in a combination of light and dark grey resin, with most parts occupying their own casting block. This comprehensive set includes a multi-part, highly detailed engine, complete with glycol tank, plumbing, engine bearers, exhaust stacks, oil tank, supercharger and external intake, as well as a replacement engine cowl. The latter is cast superbly thin, with interior constructional detail which will be a real bonus if you decide to display this off the model in a diorama situation. The levels of detail are seriously exquisite for such a small set, and the engine is also cast with ignition leads. These form webs, but wit some deft painting, you should be able to make them superb. The more fastidious amongst you may want to remove this detail and add the leads from fine lead wire. A single photo etch fret contains parts for engine lifting lugs, exhaust port stiffeners, cowl fasteners and supercharger intake grille. The instructions are excellent, and again, it looks like no surgery is needed to fit this set, although I recommend much test-fitting while you do assemble. 648060, Bf 109E MG 17 mount Moving backwards from the engine, this set is designed to replace the plastic kit parts associated with the cowl mounted MG 17 installation. This set comprises EIGHT resin parts, with a ninth part, an ammunition bin, classed as a 'free bonus'. Cast again in a combination of both light and dark grey resin, all parts are separately cast to their own blocks, needed only minimal work to remove as a whole. The main bulkhead and bin assembly will require a little more work to remove a large casting block. A gun cowl is also included, thinly cast in dark grey resin, and incorporating internal constructional detail also. Thin resin walls hold this to its casting block, and removal will be easy. The cowl itself is superb, with gentle external detail, requiring only a couple of flashed-over openings to be cut. Internally, the bulkhead has ammunition bins pre-cast in place, and the weapons tray which sits atop this is stunning. Eduard's depiction of the actual MG 17's is both sharp and refined in execution, with fantastically detailed breech and fine cooling 'holes' in the barrel itself. A small etch fret is included, holding various cowl latches and MG brackets. The instructions show that a small amount of surgery will be required to fit this upgrade to the host kit, but nothing that can't readily be performed by a modeller of average ability. Bf 109E cockpit, radio compartment. This is a pretty intensively detailed set that will require a degree of surgery to be performed on the kit plastic parts. The main work is involved in scraping away the moulded side wall detail. For some reason, Eduard didn't see fit to produce the plastic walls separately as they did in their 1:32 release, so you'll need to be careful that you don't scrape these too thin. The rear fuselage radio compartment insert requires no such surgery. The cockpit contains FOURTEEN resin parts in both light and dark grey resin, on separate casting blocks. Generally, casting blocks should be very easy to remove, connected by thin walls or membranes. The cockpit module will require s razor saw to remove it from its block, but the connection point design makes this very easy. Two instrument panel rear plates are included; one with the leather instrument access shroud, and one without. The cockpit interior is supplemented by a photo etch fret, printed in colour. This includes a laminated instrument panel, instrument detail, and a full set of colour seatbelts. Other non colour parts include rudder pedals, seat brackets, rudder trim wheels and coupling chains, to mention a few. The radio compartment is based around a semi-tubular insert for the read fuselage, inclusive of rib and stringer detail, as well as some very fine wiring and junction box detail. Internally, two radio sets are provided, with colour photo etch fascias, an are supported on resin frameworks which old the radios in position with rubber bungees, provided as brass parts. An amount of other detail is also provided internally, such as a battery and other avionics sets. The fuselage access panel is provided as a photo etch part. The instructions for the whole set are excellent, with all drawings being clear in depiction. Apart from removal of the access port, the radio compartment needs no surgery to install. Conclusion There's enough resin in this set to sink a battleship, and the inclusion of all the available sets for the 1:48 Bf 109E as discounted set, is a very welcome addition to Eduard's web-store. Whilst this set isn't cheap as a single purchase, it represents excellent value for money over the original individual releases, providing your intention is to use all aspects of it. Resin quality is superb, and the detail unsurpassed. This is a one way ticket to a seriously great looking Emil, and one you should consider if you fancy a project with a few more hours in the man cave. Very highly recommended. My sincere thanks to Eduard for the review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

That looks sensational! Is the belly interior completely OOB, or have you added anything in there?

I manually validated a few accounts, but if you can post, you're obviously ok now. Do you still have problems?

Awesome! I have the article, and it's a great read. I hope you're primed for the B-17

Nice review Dave. Profi's stuff really appeals to me. It;s great to see seriously left-field stuff on the market. How about some Chivas Regal barrels?

I love the multi-tonal panels on this one. I'd love to be able to use the Alclad shades properly, but I always pull the stuff off if I mask. Yet to build a plane in Japanese markings yet too Another Moeggo triumph!

Now come on....you'll want me building this one next, and you know I have my plans laid out Lovely work!

I've no idea Nick. I don't remember seeing these before.

I've found this to be one of the most informative reviews I've read in aeons. Thanks for sharing"

Hahahaha! I have to say that I've seen nothing at all like those vanes, ever. I'd love to know how they make them.

German WW1 Airspeed Indicators GasPatch Models Available from GasPatch Models Greek company, GasPatch Models are really beginning to cater to large scale WW1 modellers in a very unique way. We recently took a look at their excellent turnbuckles, produced in a number of styles, using a sintered metal power system. Modellers are now catching on that these are probably the ultimate solution for their rigging. Since then, they have released some 'Albatros-specific' which we hope to be able to bring to you. GasPatch have now turned their attention to accessories for WW1 aircraft, in both 1:48 and 1:32 scales. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you the German WW1 Airspeed Indicator, or as it's more correctly known, the anemometer. These are a real treat for the eyes before you even open the package. Both scales are packed into the same back-opening blister packaging, with attractive artwork and presentation. The four parts which make up the anemometer are sat within a precisely milled out foam piece, and I mean precisely. This aspect along is well worth mentioning. The anemometer is broken down into four basic parts. A small piece of white plastic contains two anemometer faces, so you get a spare, just in case. The other parts are a photo etch bezel to attach to the front of the instrument face, a delicate and precisely cast red resin instrument body, and lastly, probably the most amazing aspect of this....the anemometer wind vanes, which contain the 4 wind cups and associated frameworks, all as a SINGLE PART! I'm not sure exactly what this is made from, but the production method must be very involved. No resin casting could produce such a fine and complex shape in one part. Again, is this made from sintering? I'm not sure, but the finish is fine,and also looks to have a metallic black hue. Assembly is suggested with white glue on the instructions. Those instructions carry full colour assembly and painting detail. How you mount the anemometer to your model is your affair though, due to the numerous positions in which these were mounted. The instructions suggest the vanes to be in bronze, while the body is in black or light grey-green. The bezel should be either black or left in natural metal. I would affix the bezel to the instrument face using a drop of Klear or similar. Conclusion This is a very simple aftermarket accessory, but of of the most detailed and finely produced that I've seen for this genre. You will need to be seriously careful how you handle the anemometer vane assembly, and I would suggest you add the vanes with forceps, once the instrument body is attached to your model. As for the price, I think it represents excellent value for money. You simply will not get anything as detailed as this anywhere, let alone for under 8 Euros. You want to seriously enhance your model? Invest in one of these! Very highly recommended Our thanks to GasPatch Models for the review samples. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

What a great model! Makes you wonder why the Germans wanted to operate the Rata in any role with what they had at their disposal. Love to see some in-progress images.

Here is my finished Bf 109V-7. The WIP can be found HERE

Hi guys, Here's a pictorial of my build to convert the Eduard Bf 109E to the rather snazzy looking 109V-7 prototype. This Jumo-engine machine wasn't fitted with armament etc, and has the earlier wing with the extended slats. I hope you like her:

Here are some images from my new DH.2 article in this latest edition of Military Illustrated Modeller. Don't forget to buy your copy! Any questions, always pleased to answer.

That was a great article in MIM. What's next?

1:32 Oberursel UI engine Taurus Models Catalogue # D3208 Available from Story Models for £21.90 The Oberursel UI rotary engine was in fact almost a direct copy of the excellent and reliable French four-stroke Gnome-Monosoupape, which had already been employed by both the French and British aircraft designers to great effect, and remained, in various versions, in use throughout WW1 and beyond. The design itself didn't make the engine easy to maintain for ground crew who had to effect a disassembly of the cylinder heads in order to access the intake valve which could easily become jammed, or to adjust timing. Visibly, the only real difference between the Gnome and the Oberursel UI engines was the location of the ignition spark plugs. Whilst the Gnome had its plus mounted at the top, left hand side of each cylinder jacket, the Oberursel had its plugs mounted to the ear. The Oberursel UI was used on the Fokker E.II/E.II 'Eindeckers', Fokker D.II and Pfalz E.II, E.III and E.VI types. Taurus Models are a very new name on the WW1 aviation modelling scene, but one which have made quite an impact on those that like to detail their models aero engines to the max. In fact, apart from an ammo belt and shell set, this new company produces exclusively aero engines and upgrade components in both 1:48 and 1:32 scales. The subject of this review is the first 1:32 aero engine release from Taurus; the Oberursel UI rotary. The Taurus Models Oberursel UI is packaged into a small box with a rather attractive satin finish thin card lid, with the finished and painted engine displayed on the top, and detail sections adorning the sides. It's obvious from the outset that this is going to be an upgrade aimed at the more serious and adventurous modeller. This EIGHTY part resin kit has a 'Simplification' symbol, neatly struck-through, so you are in no doubt that this upgrade will be one to challenge you. Inside the box, three zip-lock bags containing the various dark grey resin parts, are supplemented by a single zip-lock which holds a length of very thin copper wire. A small instruction sheet is included. The Oberursel has been practically stripped down into various major and non-major parts, but the breakdown of the engine does seem to be, in the most, very logical, and designed in this manner for a reason. The first zip-lock bag contains the crankcase and airscrew shaft. The crankcase is simply one of the most beautiful and detailed resin parts I've seen. The various plates which are bolted to the crankcase body are cleanly-defined, and the hex bolt detail is extremely intricate and very sharp. Various orifices and indentations are included for pushrod linkages, ignition leads, and the cylinder placement holes are keyed so that the cylinder orientation will be correct. The rear of the crankcase exhibits the same high level of plate and bolt detail, plus the ignition lead insulator ring which then connects to the casting block. You'll need a razor saw to carefully remove this, but there is a narrow collar to give you some working room. The airscrew shaft is a single piece item, with a small casting block to snip off. The part appears to have a correct slight taper too. Our second zip-lock bag contains the nine cylinders, each connected to a small casting block, and with the cylinder orientation lug cleanly cast. The cooling fins are sharp and even all around the circumference, and the top of each cylinder has a cleanly cast hole into which the piston crown is to be placed. Those piston crowns are also to be found within this package. Each is cast to its own easily removable resin block, and again, the detail has to be seen to be believed. These parts are just a few millimetres in diameter, yet the armature linkage detail really is superb! They are also very fragile, so please handle even the bag of parts very carefully. Our last packet of resin contains the rocker actuator rods, all cast onto a communal block, and protected with plates at the casting block ends which should hopefully prevent damage. Casting is superbly clean with no apparent finishing to undertake, with the exception of cleaning up the removal stub. Ten are included, so you have a spare! Some of the most fragile parts, again ten off, are cast across two casting blocks. These are the valve rocker armatures. A micro drill bit or the end of a pin should be pushed through the holes on these to precisely clean them up, although not much work will be involved here. To remove from the block, I suggest cutting the block into sections and tackling each one with a razor saw....VERY CAREFULLY! The actuator rod linkages and entry cups are also separate. These parts are so small, but precisely cast, and a test fit shows the linkages plug into the cups perfectly. These different parts are cast onto their own communal blocks and will need the lightest of cuts to snip them off. Again, spares are included. Spark lines which insert into the insulating ring are supplied as separate parts, all neatly cast. If any of these tiny parts are lost, you could substitute with plastic rod of the correct diameter. The last of the resin parts is a block containing the ignition plus, with plug into the indentation on each cylinder. Detail is just excellent. Lastly, there is a little copper wire which is to be used for the ignition leads, and also for a little detail on the piston heads. Two diameters are supplied. The instruction sheet is printed on a small, folded sheet of paper, with photographic illustration being in black and white. Some of these photos are quite dark, and you should use the photographs on the box lid to supplement your construction. Full colour instructions are available on the Taurus website too, and are accesible by clicking THIS link. These instructions show just how involved this mini-kit is. The valves can be positioned in either open or closed positions, and of course, there is a sequence to follow, neatly shown on the sheet. Some of the parts to the foot of the actuator rods will need a little snipping to alter their length so that you can pose the rods and valves properly. This aspect looks fairly easy to follow. All parts are identified easily on the instructions, and there is a suggested stage whereby Taurus indicate that you should perhaps paint the construction. Simple mention of paint colour is given, but I really would have liked to have seen how the modeller who made the box illustration model actually finished his with oils etc. Conclusion Er, wow! Yes, this is a very complicated model kit to assemble, requiring visual and mental dexterity, but the results are nothing short of astounding. Who would have thought you could have broken down a rotary engine into 80 individual parts!? Well, now, seeing is believing. This kit is very much a project in its own right, and it almost seems sacrilege to mostly cover it up within a cowl. Whether you decide to do this, or build a trestle display for it, the end result will be spectacular. Very highly recommended. My sincere thanks to Story Models for the review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link.