rverissimo

Plusmodel Aero Line Series 1:72 Wheels forP2V Neptune #AL7018 Introduction On our beloved hobby, on what airplane modelling concern, there are some parts, areas, location sometimes neglected as they are away from focus. The wheels are one of those parts. They are, obvious, a important part of the real thing, as, they are on the model. If you are having our model standing on the ground, you can show it crashed, or on maintenance jacks or on their landing gear. On the base, there they are… the wheels. They can be, new, beat up, oily and greasy, covered on mud, dust or just slicks. I’m going to focus on the set, not comparing them to the correspondent parts on the model, as I don’t own a 1:72 P2V Neptune bird, despite my countries’ air force, operated the type. Nevertheless I did some research and I came up with the following: apparently the only game in town is Hasegawa’s one, which backdates to 1973 moulds. what’s on the box The clear plastic box shows what you get: three resin wheels ( 1 front wheel and two rear wheels). On the back paper, photographs of the set already paint and weathered, to serve as inspiration. As many contemporary American air planes, the wheel hub’s painted white (to facilitate any oil leaks. The tyre painted on the eternal black, or tyre black, or dark grey, whatever suites the modeller’s personal interpretation. Front wheel This is the smaller wheel to fit on the front landing gear. The detail is adequate to the scale. The tire pattern consists of 5 parallel tread lines with no weight effect (on my research and normally on fair amount of parked air planes), the area in contact with the ground show a certain deformation or weighted effect caused by the airplanes weight applied on the wheels. This effect can be lightly reproduced by gentle sanding of the wheel area that touches the ground. Rear wheels These two wheels, as the front one, are not weighted, and do show a excellent detail on the wheel hub and tire pattern. The removal of the casting blocks can be done with no effort, using a small saw, and the main attachment point is located on the raised area of the tyre pattern. After the part separation, all that’s need is to use a sand pad and remove the remaining material. Conclusion This set is a strait forward update to the model’s parts. Using as compare guide, the Hasegawa model, this are supplied by two half that glue to form the tire. This can cause a seam hard to eliminate as could also destroy the tread pattern surrounding. The tire tread could be properly weathered after the paint process to show all detail. In the end and on the finished model, they will overstep! On point to note is that, on the all the pictures that I consulted, the tires present the “weight” effect on the tire area in contact with the ground. This is a must set to “spice” up any version of the 1:72 P2V Neptune Recommended! Our thanks to Plusmodel for the review samples and all the support given. To purchase this directly, click THIS link Ricardo Veríssimo

Plusmodel Aero Line Series 1:48 P-51 Pilot #AL4072 Introduction Plusmodel offers aeroplanes modellers fans, a quick and easy way to complement a simple vignette with a 1:48 scale P-51 Mustang (WWII). When I sat on my workbench and opened the box containing this item, my first thought was: “Nice! No need to glue parts!” If I could label this release I would retain: efficient and straight forward. What’s on the box? The clear plastic box, shows what you get, one resin piece containing a 1:48 representation of a WW2 P-51 jockey in a relax pose, retaining one hand on the hip and another one above the parachute bag in a pose that I could describe as looking for his plane after another working’s day! Despite no painting guide is supplied, the label’s back is printed with a large full colour draw of the figure. Lots of inspiration on this subject through a quick internet search using your favourite search engine. A small mould line is detected along the length of the legs, most probably due to the cast process, but nothing that a modelling knife and low abrasive sand paper won’t fix. As by the pictures, the detail is adequate and good quality brush and steady hands can create a very appellative complement to a P-51 in 1:48 scale Conclusion This is a nice and easy addition to any 1:48 WWII P-51 Mustang out there! A simple base with the bird and pilot is always a perfect duet. Like ying and yang ! Highly recommended! Our thanks to Plusmodel for the review samples and all the support given. To purchase this directly, click THIS link Ricardo Veríssimo

Plusmodel 1:35 U.S. Road roller PlusModel Catalogue #467 Introduction On our everyday paths, on the roads, we come across on same given time, usually when we are late for a meeting (or late for work, or picking up the kids), with a road repair. Usually there’s a machine with a resemblance with this model on review. On this particular case, Plusmodel presents us with a 1:35 scale replica of a hyster C330A smooth drum roller, on a military or civil paint. This dual drum roller model in particular has been around since the 80’s. A internet search using or favourite search tool will deliver us with a ton of highly motivated, beat up machines with a lot of scratch and general tear & wear. So what’s on the box? Upon opening the card box, we are presented with several bags containing 106 resin parts (including 4 clear resin parts), photo etch which includes the radiator fan, and the engine cover (bonnet?) grills. The parts source is completed with a length of copper wire and a decal sheet is also provided. All of this is wrapped on a bubble bag. The box has more than sufficient space to hold all the parts, but i must admit that some of the most fragile resin parts of this set, could be better protected from the harsh environments that characterize some postal services. On our review, the front and rear drum suffered from immediate contacts with other parts, resulting in some damage (easily fixed). As the previous photos show, the front and rear drum are moulded in one piece each. Each of them offers a scale rendition of the real ones. Let’s then begin There are some major resin components on this model that sustain all the build, I’ll focus the piece nº3 – the body chassis: There are some resin flush to remove, but it’s minimal and with a sharp hobby knife, easily removed. There’s also a resin mould block, that, to be properly removed, I would recommend the use of a small saw. The location pins for the several parts to be attached on the “chassis” are clearly defined. The engine – a hidden kit on the kit This section capture some of my attention for a long time, due to the considerable sub-assemblies and the detail put in it. The engine group is compose of several pieces, including, of course, the engine block, with raised and detailed nuts and bolts, clutch housing and location holes for the engine exhaust manifolds and remaining mechanical parts (pumps, intakes, tubing, etc) Detroit Diesel Power! Small details as the starting engine, oil pump and filters are also included as separate resin parts. The cooling system is also present with the radiator and several hoses as does the exhaust system Pulleys, several engine parts and exhaust muffler several filters (oil, fuel, etc) Moving on to other areas: Seats, steering wheel and instrument console . Air filter cover, seat rails. Front and rear drum blades and sprinklers (to clean and lubricate the drums for example to prevent hot asphalt sticking to the drum). Engine compartment cover Front drum guide fork. Rear drum axel covers Battery pack and front drum drive axle connector. Clear parts for headlamps Enter the photo etch fret The photoetch fret supplies us with the radiator fan, several engine belts (yep, belts..) and engine cover grills See! photo-etch belts ! (instructions - step XII ) Decal sheet The decal sheet covers the basic stencils for the decoration options. the carrier film is minimal with a good and well defined print. Paint and decoration Plusmodels offers 3 paint options All dark green Military decoration with a 80's 4 colour camouflage A yellow and black machine Instructions The instructions are in the traditional Plusmodel type, being three A4 sheets, folded in half, making a small booklet of 12 pages, with drawings for the several construction stages. Conclusions Every year we are presented with a new king tiger, a new Sherman, a new FW-190. this model isn't it. It's a complete approach to a very exotic theme. the fact that comes as a complete resin kit with photo etch could strike fear on some modellers out there. ( i know because i also felt it). But when i started to analyse the pieces, admiring the details, the location pins for the parts, like a regular plastic model, i started being interested by it. I do believe that the real challenge lies on the pieces removal and cleaning, despite the fact that the "flash" is easily removed with a blade. The pieces preparation for paint and it's sub-assembly approach could require a bit of planning and thinking ahead, but in the end it will turn into a very attractive and quite original model. Our thanks to Plusmodel for the review samples and all the support given. To purchase this directly, click THIS link Ricardo Veríssimo

hi Olsen! Thanks for the explanation on the paint patchy look! It looks very convincing! For me, this is the best part of the trade! following up !

Hello! Very nice and straightforward build! It's a Tamiya, period!

Hello, That's a big bird ! keep up!

Wingspan2 1:32 aircraft modelling Author – several Publisher: Canfora Graphic Design & Publishing Price: 27€ Introduction Being a proud owner of two previously releases (The Nordic edge series and On Display – Post war armour), and being books with quality content by an array of skilled modellers I was anxious and very curious about the second approach from Canfora Publishing on large scale aircraft territory. Well, let’s see if the expectations were fulfilled! So, what’s on the box... ah … book! Wingspan2 is presented on an A4 Landscape format. A magnificent F-4C is presented as front cover. The book guides us through 10 1:32 scale models built by 8 modellers. Every chapter describes a complete build. In the beginning of each chapter, we’re presented with a visual layout of the completed model a description of the brand, accessories and paint / weathering products used on the article. One key aspect is the introduction text that makes us fix our attention on that particular build, even if it does not fit on our “taste”. The historical framework of the model, what’s on the box of that particular kit, looks like if it’s a story that we are reading. For each build there are several pages dedicated to step by step details. Varying from painting techniques, weathering methods, scratch build and extra detailing. As a good support, on these step by steps pages, every picture has a correspondent label describing the operation, So… what about a taste of the content? As described, 10 builds are included: 1:32 Zero M2B 1:32 Felixstowe F.2A 1:32 Ta-152H-1 1:32 F-4C Phantom II 1:32 N1K2-J Shiden-kai 1:32 Ju-87G-1 Stuka 1:32 AV-8B Harrier II 1:32 Hurricane MK.IIC 1:32 P-61A Black Widow 1:32 Bf-109F4 A final touch I couldn’t be indifferent for this visual index made by the external frames of the articles. Each of them have an external frame of a different colour. Nice touch! Conclusion I have my fair share of modelling books. I found that some are rather sparse on the key details; some really can go neat picking for rivet numbers. This one is really balanced. The pictures have nice definition and detail. We can stare at them and find small and interesting details. The fact that the layout choose was landscape, allows that same pictures to frame the complete aircraft without losing details. This is a book to be keep near the workbench, to be used in cases of an inspiration emergency, in a moment were our minds ask “how I’m I going to do that effect”, when we are waiting in the car for the wife / girlfriend to finish their shopping or leaving home, and we have that amount of time just to appreciate a good reading! Yes… I highly recommend this book as great source of inspiration! To purchase this directly, click here If you found this review helpful and decide to purchase this product, please tell them you read about it at Large Scale Modeller! Disclaimer: all photos all in low quality to preserve and prevent all copyright. A special thanks to Canfora Publishing for the review sample Ricardo Veríssimo

Miniart T-34 Wafer-type workable track links set WWII Military Miniatures series 176 parts #35207 Introduction Miniart has been treating us with a series of new and detailed models that even builder on a OOB perspective, look very convincing. As recent reviews show, the focus on the T-34 family, is making available as separate model parts like the engine and on this case, the tracks- When I first set my eyes on the box, it came to my mind the ancient 1:35 T-34/76 from Tamiya (first release at 1975), and what a great improve on this model this set would bring. Tracks and more tracks This particular set allows to assembly one set of tracks, and is the same supplied on the Miniart 1:35 SU-122 and SU-85 already reviewed here. The tracks are composed by two types: one with guide tooth and another without it and that resumes also the assembly sequence (36 pieces x2 per track side). The instructions are presented on the back of the box, simple and direct. Let’s get practical OK, so in the box states “Workable” and I was really curious to find out. So let’s go to the workbench. The tools for the trade… Kit parts, a cutter and a SU-122 road wheel! The link removal process is simple and strait forward. Minimal clean up is required in order to pass to the next stage – assemble. Well, in this stage I noted a small issue on the tracks assembly there is a small pin on the external connection of every track with guide tooth. That plastic pin needs to be “clicked” on the external guides of the other track link. What’s happens it that in order to properly connect and make the track movable, in some tracks the pin simply snaps , making necessary the application of glue. That fact removes some “workable” action into the final assembly. The pins are delicate and if broken they are unable to hold the tracks together For the small test, the pictures speak for themselves. Conclusion Miniart supplies us with a more accessible solution to other aftermarket tracks, more expensive and requiring extra modelling engineer. The plastic tracks have a delicate detail and after assembled, even with a bit of glue on some points, add a realistic touch to our model. In either cases this a high recommended set for everyone who wants to update a older T-34 family offering in 1:35 scale. My truly Thanks to Miniart for the review sample. Ricardo Veríssimo

Hi | Nice review! now that will look tall on diorama!

Hello ! excellent result ! nice Mig-29 UB

Hello Marek! What a wonderful work on this birdcage! The Tamiya Kit it's a shake and bake and with the proper paint and finish job like your's it's just perfect! congrats! best regards,

Hello! That's a lot of sprues and details!

Hello! I would like to present my latest model. Recovered from the dark corners of my workbench, this model was started a couple of years ago and as i lost the decal sheet, left it on the basis "I will resume it some day..." The paint was completed removed using several grade sandpaper and polishing files and then a complete repaint using Gunze acrylics replicating the colour scheme for the F-16A from Portuguese Airforce (PoAF). On the same way, identification marks and serial numbers were used from a Santa Cruz 1:72 decal sheet for PoAf F-16A. With the paint and decal job completed, i started with the weathering process, using Oils to replicate some patches on the fuselage panels. I wanted to test a greasy and dirt look on the gun hatches on the airplane's nose. As this is a 1:72 bird i need to refrain myself, as i wanted a very "controlled" and weathered area. This is the result. It has several error that i didn't bother to correct, but above all, it is finished and i've learned some new tricks! Thanks for watching! best regards!

Hello ! Fantastic Job on that 1:72 bird ! It shows the secret of the superb performance of the Mosquito! congrats!

Plusmodel Aero Line series 1:48 Crew UH-1 Huey AL4048 Introduction When the review sample was handed to me I quickly watch it and thought a small vignette with a 1:48 Huey on a Vietnam Base on busy afternoon. This set from Plusmodel is, to say the least, a very simple and nice one. What’s on the box? The clear plastic box, shows what you get. Three resin parts. One single-piece Vietnam era UH-1 crew and one crewman with separate right arm holding a cigarette. Despite no painting guide is supplied, the label’s back is printed with a large full color draw of the figures. The uniform is a typical Vietnam era depicting an Airman crew from 1st cavalry division (airmobile). #aircrew 1 This figure is present as one piece resin part. The casting quality is excellent. That means that minimum clean up is required, as the resin block is attach to the figure soles of their boots. The pose is from my humble point of view, natural, as from my eyes it could portrait a relieved aircrew after a hard day’s work on the front. The aircrew is presented with a bandana tied around his head, flak jackets, and armed with side arm and knife (don’t mess with him!) #aircrew 2 This figure is presented with the right arm separated from the body. As so you have the two remaining parts of this set. This crewman is presented on a relax position (as the first aircrew) wearing a hat on his head and holding a cigar on his right hand, on a posture stating something like “ I’m glad this shift is over!” Conclusion This is a nice a simple set from plusmodel with no imperfections or flash on the figures, only requiring some caution removing the casting blocks, having a wash with warm water and detergent for removing any grease component from the moulding process. It will perfectly blend on a 1:48 Diorama co-starring a UH-1 or any other heli (OH-6 Cayuse?) operating on SEA on the same time. Highly recommended! Our thanks to Plusmodel for the review samples and all the support given. To purchase this directly, click THIS link

Hello! Nice start on a high quality Magazine! congratulations!!

Hi! Yes indeed! When i was reviewing it, i was looking into my stash searching for some appropriate candidates ! (GWH MIG-29 / Eduard Mig-21) or even as a civilian beat up machine! It has lot of potential!

MiniArt Buildings & accessories Series 1:35 Railway track with Dead end #35568 Available at any good shops As my previous review this set highlights the latest releases from MiniArt. Simple, highly detailed set containing a 342mm of railway Track with a dead end (or also called a buffer stop). In the total, 90 plastic parts are provided. According to Wikipedia and I quote: “A buffer stop or bumper (US) is a device to prevent railway vehicles from going past the end of a physical section of track. The design of the buffer stop is dependent, in part, on the kind of couplings that the railway uses, since the coupling gear is the first part of the vehicle that the buffer stop touches. The term "buffer stop" is of British origin, since railways in Great Britain principally use buffer-and-screw couplings between vehicles.” What’s on the box? The relatively small but compact paper box present us, upon opening, a plastic bag with all the content properly align and secured. In the bag there are 8 sprue's (4 for the railway tracks, sleepers and bolts and 4 for the buffer stop). In a more close up look The sprues of the railway track are the same of the ones reviewed here, and they are in fact full of small and very nice detail. The four sprues allows to build two lengths of railway track. And what about a bumper? The sprue layout : This sprues represent the buffer inner frames, and once assembled represent the iron beams that compose the real thing. The pictures above show the parts that represents the metal plates that simulate the external frame of the buffer. They are simple but efficient parts of the sub assembly. I particularly like the nuts and bolts details of the structure, as they stand out once painted and properly weathered. An also visual interesting detail is the wooden pattern of the plate that makes the rail wagon stopper. For this part MiniArt recommends that a white and black stripes should be applied on the finished model. Instructions One A4 paper (front and back) divided in 8 steps with simple and effective draws. Conclusion Miniart, once more did his homework on this relative simple but detailed set, as it almost the track itself could be assembled and presented as model itself and not as complement on a diorama. Recommended! My thanks to Miniart for the review sample Ricardo Veríssimo

Hi Kagemusha ! Thanks! If you need any additional detail on this, let me now! all the best!

Miniart Buildings & accessories Series 1:35 Railway Track (European Gauges) Catalogue #35561 MiniArt has treated us with some new and innovate model kits. This set, despite it’s apparent simplicity fit on this description. Once assemble it supplies us with 686mm of 1:35 (WW2) railway track. Very useful for a railroad diorama with a draisine, or a flat wagon cargo with a Tiger or SU-122, this set is highly detailed and it almost a shame to hide some detail on the weathering process so typical on this kind of environment. What’s on the box? When we open the small and compact paper box, we are presented with a plastic bag containing 8 sprues with beautiful rail tracks (Rail, wooden sleepers with molded in fixing mechanisms, joint bars and attachment nuts). In a closer look… In a first glance, the detail on the wooden sleepers are very nice with individual detail between them. I also notice (and it’s visible on the photos) the detail on the rail fixing bolts. Bolts, bolts and more bolts.. For each sprue provided, you’ll get 10 bolts to glue on the fixing section on the sleepers. The rail itself is well detailed with location pins to facilitate the assemble process into the sleepers Instructions The instruction are very simple and direct, with clear draws of the building process. (yeap, that’s 80 bolts to glue) There’s no painting guide, but a quick search on the global knowledge of the internet (aka google), there’s plenty of images to inspire a well-worn, weathered and beat up look on the railway tracks. And as so, I took the liberty to add some photos taken today on near a Portuguese rail road station (Devesas). Please be inspired! Conclusion Miniart, once more did his homework on this relative simple but detailed set, as it almost the track itself could be assembled and presented as model itself and not as complement on a diorama. Recommended! I wish to thanks Miniart for the review sample. Ricardo Veríssimo

Hello Bevan, excelent model and step by step! I really liked the wheathering process !

Miniart Early Production SU-122 Catalogue #35181 Available from any good model shop MiniArt has been releasing from some time now a new generation of 1:35 injected moulded kits. The WWII Russian Self-propelled family SU has received a detailed attention, on the form of SU-85, SU-85 with interior and SU-122 with interior . The subject of this review is the Su-122 simplified version without interior detail (no engine and minimized detail on the interior). The fact that it has simplified model does not means that it does not boost details and modern mould injection. Miniart did its job well done. From my knowledge, the only 1:35 scale representation of the SU-122 was Tamiya (dated from 1976). The Miniart model is a qualitative leap. A little bit of history The SU-122 (from Samokhodnaya Ustanovka 122 mm) was a Soviet self-propelled howitzer or assault gun used during World War II. The number "122" in the designation represents the caliber of the main armament—a 122 mm M-30S howitzer. The chassis was that of the T-34. In April 1942, design bureaus were asked to develop several assault guns with various armament: 76.2 mm ZiS-3 divisional field guns and 122 mm M-30 howitzers for infantry support, and 152 mm ML-20 howitzers for attacking enemy strongholds. A prototype assault gun, armed with the 122 mm howitzer and built on the German Sturmgeschütz III chassis was developed, designated SG-122. Only 10 of these were completed. Production was halted when the vehicle was found to be hard to maintain and judged to be unsuccessful. Simultaneously, an SPG based on the T-34 medium tank was also developed. Initially, the T-34's chassis was selected for the 76.2 mm F-34 gun. This vehicle, the U-34, was created in the summer of 1942 at UZTM (Uralmashzavod – Uralsky Machine Building factory) design bureau, by N. W. Kurin and G. F. Ksjunin. It was a tank destroyer with the same armament as the T-34, but without a turret. The vehicle was 70 cm lower than a T-34, had thicker armour, and was 2 tonnes lighter. It did not enter production. UZTM then worked on combining features of the U-34 and the SG-122. Initial design work was completed between July and August 1942. The project emphasized minimizing modifications to the platform and the howitzer. It used the same chassis, superstructure, engine and transmission as the U-34 and was armed with (the then new) 122 mm M-30S howitzer from F. F. Petrov's design bureau. This vehicle also used the same gun bed cover and mountings as the SG-122, to keep costs low and simplify production. It had 45 mm thick frontal armour. The M-30S howitzer could be elevated or depressed between −3° and +26° and had 10° of traverse. The five-man crew consisted of a driver, gunner, commander and two loaders. (Source Wikipedia) What’s in the box Miniart present us a relative compact box, considering the amount of parts supplied. It’s a very nice and warm feeling when we are in front of compact and fill to the top box containing an appealing modelling subject. The sprues are nicely package on two clear plastic bags. In the total we’ll have 565 plastic parts divided by 56 Sprues. Yes… 56 Sprues. Before you get scared, more than half of this sprues correspond suspension parts, road wheels and individual tracks. But all of this has a purpose: Detail Sprue Layout: Allow me to show you the sprues and provide some visual of some details of this model. Sprue B – Contains parts for lower hull, rear upper hull and engine cover Sprue Ca - Hull rear, engine deck details and spring tower covers Sprue D – Casemate, Glacis and gun mantlet General overview of the sprue Detail of the cast on the gun mantlet A nice touch on the weld seams around the periscope mount and front hatch Sprue Da – Engine exhaust Look at the detail of the exhaust clamps! Pity that they won’t show up on the finished model, as this doesn’t bring the engine parts to couple with the exhausts .But the detail is there! Sprue Ea (x2) - Idlers, suspension parts and interior details I should mention the detail on the suspension springs Springs you say? The detail on this part in simply fantastic, as a statement of the modern injection molds technology. Just for curiosity, here’s a close-up of the instruction for this parts Sprue Eb(x2) – Drive sprockets, exhaust covers Sprue Ed (x2) – Driver’s Viewer flaps, details Sprue F (x10) - Road wheel hub caps, fuel tank brackets, suspension springs and attachment points Sprue Fi (x10) – Front and back road wheels These road wheels boost a nice detail, despite the mold line across the rubber tire of the wheel. Minimal cleaning is required with no harm to the rubber pattern detail. Sprue Fj (x10) – tooth track link The tracks are well molded with crisp detail, one of them call my attention, so … Every track has a number casted. I really needed to zoom in on the picture. Sprue G – gun mount, breach, and 122 mm barrel The gun barrel on his full display. Hollow barrel with rifling. Sprue Fk (x4) - Fuel tanks, spring casings, road wheel arms Sprue Jc - Casemate roof plate Close-up on the cupola cast detail Sprue Je – rear storage box Sprue L (x7) – simple track links PE parts – Engine grill, fuel tanks fasteners, headlamp mounts Sprue Eg (x2) – main headlamp, periscopes glasses Decal sheet The decals are well printed, thin and a minimal carrier film. Decoration schemes Su-122 “Frunze”, Bryansk Front, Summer 1943 – green overall Su-122 4th Tank Army, Bryansk Front, August 1943 – green overall Su-122 with slogans on the casemate, Uralmash, Sverdlovsk, 1943 – green overall SU-122 1434th Self-propelled Artillery of the Red Army, Leningrad front, December 1943 – green base with a winter white wash, a red circle on top of the casemate and branches painted on the hull and casemate lateral. Instructions These supplied as a A4 colour booklet with clear locations called out for all parts. Painting chart colours provided with equivalences for Ammo Mig, Humbrol, Mr. Color, Testors and Vallejo. A column also describes the colour name Conclusion This model is very impressive. It has small and big details that make the difference once assembled. MiniArt studied the lesson very well, as it allows the modeller to have a detailed replica of this assault vehicle. It is true that some details are hidden on the finished model (unless you prefer not to glue some hull parts to show the detail), but you’ll now that the detail / parts are there. The photo-etch fret offers an OOB model with finesse details without need to invest on a detail set from other brand. Very highly recommended I wish to thank Miniart for the review sample. Ricardo Veríssimo

Hi Guys! Thanks for the welcome!

Hi! Thanks Guys for watching! Not much time to complete so many models / ideas ! these are the ones finished last year and this year!