Fran

1:32 Spitfire F/FR XIVe Hi-back Conversion for Tamiya's Spitfire Mk.VIII and IX kit Laminar Flow Design, 1/32 scale Catalogue n.º 32002 Price Tag - €83,49 Purchase directly at Laminar Flow Design website – here- Laminar Flow Design is a new company from Belgium with a one man work behind, and Its starting with two conversion in 1:32, and this one is the 32-002. You can see Brett`s full review of the XIVe conversion for the Tamiya Spitfire XVI, here. Today we are checking the second conversion in their catalogue. We can said the second conversion release as the 32-001 and 32-002 were release at the same time The Spitfire Mk XIV is a beautifull aircraft.. I truly honest don’t know which one of more gracious… if the high-back one (of this conversion) and the very elegant Mk XIV low-back. To not chose, I got the other conversion, the 32-001. This conversion set came in a rather small cardboard box, with a “box-art” with a drawing of the aircraft silhouette. All the contents arrived perfectly safe and intact. Inside, just 93 (ninety three) 3D printed resin parts. Die-cut masking sheets and instructions. Looking at the box, I wonder: how the h… all fits in there? And the answer is simply: a fantastic planning 3D print, to reduce space and to protect all the fragile parts. To do that, the owner, producer got a system that is totally new to me… the printing cage around the parts. This set comes with four resin printing cages and inside of those cage, all the parts. At this stage you should and oddly enough, we must read the instructions as it gives some good advices how to cut the cages and to free the 3D parts. The instructions advise the modeller to cut the four pillars at the base of each cage, then work inward as required. It is also recommended that a razor saw or a new scalpel blade should be used to free the parts. To really check this conversion we need to start cutting… And it´s quite a mess! Some parts are not easy to free, so you a new scalpel, a very good cutter and patience and time. Once the parts have been free, you can appreciate the quality of this conversion, at its all splendour. The printing quality is top noch. The surface is very smoth with no printing line visible whatsoever. It’s at equal stage as the Tamiya surface detail of the donor kit with all the panel line, rivets, rib tape, fasteners, you name it! Brilliant work and printed in high resolution. The Mk VIII/IX are quite different from the Mk XIV but this conversion covers it all, at least from the outside. Starting with the most impressive part! The beautiful griffon nose. A single printing piece, as it’s a gorgeous piece of 3D resin!! Simply fabulous! Bye bye seam line in the upper nose!! I will have a smooth nose with no effort!! The carburate intake is also in a single piece totally hollow. Another big difference is the propeller. The propeller cone and propeller itself (yup, a new propeller is needed) is quite easy to make as all the blades have connections/intakes points, so there`s no room to error! Nice touch! Checking the tail, you get two styles of fin and rudder - larger and even larger one. Why? A standard rudder for early MK XIV and a broad rudder for Late Mk XIV; Speaking of two, you also get two wing radiators. The inside mesh is also reproduce in a very fine detail. In fact the 3D printing of this set is top quality! Great work Laminar Flow Design. A full exhaust set all hollow, and all individual… Could be a bit boring to make but the final result should be fantastic! One thing that I was worry about is the F/FR MK XIVc/e has different hatchs, but Laminar flow solve that with resin template that fit right to the kit donor fuselage. There is little chance of miss the lines. All the small detail necessary to make the F/FR are present, again with a perfect printing detail. All the detail are clear and present. It`s amazing how 3D printing have been coming to this in a few years. The tail wheels have a totally new wheel well with doors cast in place. Going to wings, new panels and rounded fairing (late type) and conical fairing (early type) are given! Next, the vinyl masks. So you got 4 vinyl adhesives die-cut masks with insignia letters and even a panther for three option: 1. Spitifre F Mk XIVc RB 169, MN-F 350th Squadron (Belgian), 1944, Lympne. 2. Spitifre FR Mk XIVe RM807, L 430th Squadron (RCAF), 1945 3. Spitifre F Mk XIVe RM908 “UM-G”, 152th Squadron FAR, 1945, Burma. I specially enjoy this last one! The instructions are in A5 format with 12 pages. They are clearly laid out and include text and photographic assembly steps. The instructions are very well need as it has lots of tips and serious warnings and steps that you should consider to get it done. The first chapter is “working with 3D printing” with very good tips. The second chapter is preparing work, or in another words, cutting!! Although this is a very well taught conversion, the cutting the plastic parts of the donor kit are always a bit stressful (at least for me). This particularly case, the nose looks quite easy, but the tail, even cutting for the correct place and looks straightforward, care must be taken as the plastic parts will be very thing and can break. Cautions and patience are needed. The surgery is minimal but is always a surgery! 😊 The hatches is also challenging but with the resin templates, a good measuring and the work can be done eithout too much work. The final chapter before painting is general assembly that is basically where the all this 93 resin parts go. And its quite clear and intuitive the parts place but the instructions very comprehensive and very clear. Conclusion: I really love this conversion and Laminar Flow Design made a terrific work giving us, 1:32 modellers this fantastic conversion. The quality of the 3D parts is astonishing with the surface detail matching the high quality of the donor kit, the Tamiya 1:32 Spitfire. The bar has quite high and these 3D parts don’t disappoint. Its not a beginner conversion, at all, so a few model kits (and some resin) under the belt would serve you good when you start building this conversion. The only thing that this conversion doesn’t give is the interior parts for the Mk XIV but once again Laminar Flow Desing came to the rescue and are already working on that. With the interior detail, a perfect 1:32 Mk XIVe high-back can be obtain. I love this conversion so much that I bought the low-back conversion! Very Very Highly recommend My trully Thanks to Laminar Flow Design for the review sample.

wow!!!

wow!! Amazing work here!!!

Probably will be out this year, 2023!

Well, I think is that time where we need to start a new topic for the upcoming news for 2024... And in 2023 news topics, we already have some news from 2024, so i decided to open this 2024 news topic already... @BlrwestSiR show us the new and upcoming in March 2024 Plamax 1:12 Tiger I... Pre-orders already open: https://www.hlj.com/1-12-scale-plamax-tiger-i-max01366 And the future, also for 2024, 1:35 Gecko PACV These two for sure, will only be out to the market in 2024.

1:12??????????????

OMG!! PACV (Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle) in 1/35th by Gecko Models. Well, my "dream" of having the Masterpiece PACV is gone... Now I will have the Gecko one!

New upcoming A-20 from Hong Kong Model!!! :D. No date yet so it probably will be only in 2024.

where did you get the metal landing gar? Directly from Hk Models?

1 Man Army Paint Mask 1:32 A-20G Cat. N. 32DET028 Price tag: €23,38 plus shipping Available at Hannants store, here 1 Man Army, the ultimate masks for your model not only insignia masks, not canopy mask, so not regular and simples mask! 1 Man Army is the ULTIMATE MASK for your aircraft!! A large mask sheet with all the stencils (yes stencils) and insignias to paint. Check their website – www.1manarmy.be. As you can see, their entire catalog is in 1:32 and they are expending their references with more and more masks. Let`s see what you can get with this set mask. You get two mask sheets, similar wit Tamiya tape, but its not really the same as the color is darker and the tape itself is thinner. I unglue part of it from the paper and its very malleable with good glue. The main thing: the cut is perfect and very precise. This one brings a big surprise. I was expecting a full mask set for stencils and insignias. When I start to analysis this set I found out the 1Man Army exceeds himself bring all the three complete markings in mask. So all the 3 decal options that are on the 1:32 HK Models A-20G are on the 1Man Army mask (well almost all). The sheets are rectangular size, almost A4 but not quite a A4 size and gives the modeler a full set of all schemes give by the decals. (for wings undersurface, wing upper surface and fuselage both sides) and all the stencils, all the little ones. The only thing that is missing is the nose art of “Miss Laid”. So goodbye silvering and tiny little decals.!! Also you get the markings set for the 3 decal options given by Hong Kong Models. - A-20G-25-DO, s/n 43-9224, 670th BS/416th BG, Wethersfield, UK, 20th June, 1944 - A-20G-25-DO, s/n 43-9224, 670th BS/416th BG, A-55 Melun/Villaroche, France, 5Th October, 1944; - A-20G-25-DO, s,n 43-9224, 670th BS/416th BG,Paris, France, 4th November 1944 A full and complete detail guide with several views of the A-20, with clear indication of the place of all stencils. Even stencils on the turret is included. Of course, that you might want to check your own references in case you make another A-20G, specially from another air force (like RAAF). To handle the best way possible, a user manual is given and it`s very comprehensive. You really need to read the manual! Not only how to deal with the mask itself but also with very good tips how to prepare de model for the mask, placing the mask and specially a very good tip about symmetry and alignment. It`s all there, and how it should work. CONCLUSION: I really like 1ManArmy stuff. In 1:32 or bigger is a must to all aircraft modeler that want to have a full aircraft markings and stencils in real paint, as decals in such big scales tend to be very big and all the stencils are present with small decals, that could ruin your work with the silvering or not settle well. So with this mask set, beside a full set of stencils mask, all 3 markngs of he 1:32 A-20G are present so 1ManArmy it´s a must to all modelers. VERY Very highly recommended Fran My thanks to 1ManArmy for the review sample.

Fantastic work!! Love it!!

Last weekend, I went to Montijo, Portugal to be on ModelScala XX (20th Edition) Modelscala is held by Associação de Modelismo do Montijo and it takes place always in September in the city of Montijo, at around 50 km of Lisbon Airport. This year was a special year because it was their 20th edition and it did have some special guest with great workshops like José Brito, Pepe Gallardo, Dani Zarmarbide and Emilien Pepin. Also AMMO and AK did make their presence with both modellers teams working and showing their products all weekend. The result: a spectular event. Next year, XXI edition in 28 and 29th September. I leave you some pictures (cellphone sorry):

REally nice Trio!!! Good work!!

I have had the pleasure to see with my own eyes, this fantastic build!!! It`s already a beauty!! When complete ti will be epic!

Fantastic work my friend!!!!

Mistel 1 ICM catalogue number 48100 Price: €62,20 Last week, I have had the pleasure of listening to “Models For Ukraine” podcast with the interveiew of ICM sales director, Valerria Buzina. It`s a fantastci interveiew and a new look to inside ICM, a model company that wants to make everything inside the house, which is quite impressive. So, 3D design, tool making, injection, instrucitons, decals, and now thy start with paints… It`s quite unusual in model company but looks like it work perfectaly with ICM. In the past year, ICM has release to the market several very original releases. And the one that we are about to see is no expection. A Mistel 1 in 1:48, straight from one box?? ICM make it possible using their Ju-88 and 109 F, making the particular nose of the Mistel 1. After the Mistel S1 release, I was really hoping for the Mistel 1, knowing that ICM had to make a new nose for the Ju-88. About the Mistel 1, “Mistel (German for "mistletoe", a parasitic plant) was the larger, unmanned component of a composite aircraft configuration developed in Germany during the later stages of World War II. The composite comprised a small piloted control aircraft mounted above a large explosives-carrying drone, the Mistel, and as a whole was referred to as the Huckepack ("Piggyback"), also known as the Beethoven-Gerät ("Beethoven Device") or Vati und Sohn ("Daddy and Son"). The most successful of these used a modified Junkers Ju 88 bomber as the Mistel, with the entire nose-located crew compartment replaced by a specially designed nose filled with a large load of explosives, formed into a shaped charge. The upper component was a fighter aircraft, joined to the Mistel by struts. The combination would be flown to its target by a pilot in the fighter; then the unmanned bomber was released to hit its target and explode, leaving the fighter free to return to base. The first such composite aircraft flew in July 1943 and was promising enough to begin a programme by Luftwaffe test unit KG 200, code-named "Beethoven", eventually entering operational service.” If you want to know much more about Mistel, you need to get a long gone Mistel book from Classic publication. And to know a bit more of KG200 unit, you must get the even more rare, KG200 book from Hikoki Publications Inside the box, several sprues with quite a lot of plastic, with good sinjection. I didnt found any flashes. The injection, per si, look perfect. As expected, you get in fact, two models: a Ju-88 and a BF-109 F4. The Ju-88 is much newer than the Bf-109 in the market and you can see ICM evolution between both. For me, in review is the first time that I have in hands a ICM Ju-88. Starting with it, and checking the surface detail and recessed panels, the engraving is quite good, with sutble surface detail. Has I saw in the He-111 H-8 (reviewed here) ICM used again the same method on the wings provinding a good area of attaching be giving centre portion of the lower wing extending beyond the bounds of the fuselage. The flight control surfaces have all been provided separately and so can be positioned as required by the modeller. There is two new sprue new sprue between that Ju-88 -A and the Bf-109 F-4 – Sprue H e K. The Sprue H are the parts for the connection structure for the Ju-88 to the Bf-109 and also undercarriage doors and wheels for the Bf109, if you want to put the undercarriage down. The sprue K the new nose and a new under wing fuselage. I order to get Mistel design look you will have to make a small surgery to cut a portion of the fuselage. The cut is well located and it should be quite straigthforward. I was quite suprisse to see two full Jumo engines. The engine detail, at first glance, looks quite good, straight from the box, but there`s a lot of room to improve it, with scratchbuilding and aftermarket. I confees that i really like that because I always had a Mistel diorama project, and full engine open is a must in that project. To get it even better, the 109 was have a full Daimler-Benz DB601E engine. Also here, even with a very good detail engine straight from the box,. There is room for some extra detailing like wires. The 109 is not at the same level of some 109 that are in the market (the cokpit could be much more detailed, there`s no seatbelts) but it still a good replica, so you can stay with this 109 or get a 109 from Eduard. However I will probably chose for the Eduard one with all goodies in it… full open with the engines of both airplanes open… The instructions also give masking templates for the 109 Like on the He-111 H-8 Paravane release, the instalation of the structure to unite both planes will demand some serious measuring. Those measurements in millimeters with no guide point on the model wing surfaces themselves so that must be the first to do, just start with measuring and making the holes and then checking the construction to see if everything align correctly. You will need a digital caliper!! The instruction manual is detailed and easy to follow. It includes step-by-step assembly diagrams, color callouts, and decal placement guides. However, the instructions is a mix of the Mistel S and Mistel 1. Beause of that, there is two imprecision, that don`t have the influence the modeller, if not beginner. The F sprue(clear parts of Ju-88) is referer that only two parts is not to use when in fact, is almost all of them, as this Ju-88 have a completly new nose with no glass at all. So only F1 part is to be use. Again, at the end, in the diagram drawings of the measuring to make the holes to put the mistel structure, is the drawings of a ju-88 with the normal nose and not the concrete Ju-88 special bomb nose. The decals are from ICM and they are correct and have very good color registration. Three markings options are given 1. Mistel 1 – 2.Kg 101, St. Dizier, June 1944 2. Mistel 1 - 2./KG101, France, Summer 1944; 3. Mistel 1 – probably from Einsatzgruppe 101, Burg, Autumn 1944 Conclusion The ICM 1:48 Mistel 1 is fantastic!! I always love the Mistel concept and now wehave a brand new, 21th century model kit of the Mistel 1. Not perfect, yes, but a very good one. The structure will not be easy to install but an expert modeler (even an intermediate) will handle it with no big issues. The detail out of the box is very good and it will make a very good replica. For the expert and keen modeler some AM will make some extra detail to make this beauty into a masterpiece. Highly recommend this to intermediate/expert modeler

Art Scale Kit Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Several Sheets The last but not the least! Today, we get to the end of decal week, offer by Art Scale Model. Today, I´m going to review 2 (two) decal sheet of the Spitfire Mk. IX in 1:48 and 3 (three) stencil decal sheet from ASK. All sets came in a ziplog bag, small A5 size sheet with profiles colors instructions steps how to apply ASK decals. So let’s looks to the option schemes that all decal sheets offer. Also here, in the applying instructions, in all sheets (except the stencils decal sheet), theres`a real photo of one of the airplanes that are represented on the decal sheets. I really love that "bonus" Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Part 1 – Greece & Barma Catalogue number200-D48010 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. - Spitfire LF Mk.IXc, MH508, 337 Squadron of Royal Hellenic Air Force, used in 1947-1953 period - Spitfire LF Mk.IXe, UB425, Barma Air Force, ex. IAF (20-42) & ex. CsAF, (JT-10 SL633) - Spitfire LF Mk.IXe, UB424, Barma Air Force Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Part 2 – Greece & Türkiye Catalogue number200-D48011 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. · Spitfire LF Mk.IXc, MH558, Royal Hellenic Air Force, flown by Lt. Georgios Smyrniotopolous, 1947. · Spitfire LF Mk.IXe, 6275, Turkish AF, used in 1947-1954 period. · Spitfire LF Mk.IXe, 6329, 8th Air regiment Turkish Air Force 1947. The set does have the beautiful shark mouth but only the outline in black and the shark teeth. So the inside mouth, in red must be painted by the modeler. Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Stencils Catalogue number200-D24001, D32060, D48012 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. The stencils are very thin, with small decal film on the edge to prevent to maximum silvering and not blurry, being quite comprehensive. In 1:24 and 1:32 you get one set for one Spitfire. In1:48 the decals sheet give the modeler enough stencils for two aircrafts. ** Analyzing the decal sheets, the color registration is great and a very good definition of the details. The decals have a thin film, in fact looking very thin and delicate. There is no indication where are they printed so I assume that will be in ASK house. The printing quality is quite good, as they are sharp, with outline very well defined. The color look quite good and spot on. I tried already and it work great, with good adhesion to the plane surface without wrinkling or bubbling. No adverse reaction to Micro set or Micro Sol. You do have to work then with care and patience as they are very delicate and therefore, fragile. The instructions are the general ones that are applicable to all decals, it is always important to remember the general principles of decal application. In this case, there is no specific rule for applying these decals. The profiles draws contains lots of information, with side view (both side) and top view with precise decal indication. Conclusion: This week was brought to you by Art Scale Kit. In fact, looking for ASK decal catalogue, we could have several weeks with a new every day! Is a very good product, not expensive and that will give your model a different look on your collection and to the table contest or the club weekly reunion. The location indication of the decals is quite good and very perceptible. The decals as already said, have a very good colour registration, very thin, with minimum decal film, and they work quite nice! My thanks to Art Scale Decals for producing these fantastic decals and the possibility of reviewed them. Francisco Guedes .

a most have, that`s for sure!

wow!!! Fantastics pictures Martin!!

1:32 Art Scale Kit Ki-84 Several Sheets Well, another decal bunch from Art Scale Kit (ASK). Today, I´m going to review 5 (five) decal sheet from ASK. All sets came in a ziplog bag, small A5 size sheet with profiles colors instructions steps how to apply ASK decals. So let’s looks to the option schemes that all decal sheets offer. Also here, in the applying instructions, in all sheets (except the stencils decal sheet, theres`a real photo of one of the airplanes that are represented on the decal sheets. I really love that "bonus" Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) – part 3 – Imperial Japanese Army Air Force Catalogue number200-D32053 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. · Nakajima Ki-84 Kó, 186th Shinbu tai, flown by Cpl. Takeshi Kazano, Tatebayashi Air base, August 1945; · Nakajima Ki-84 Kó, 57th Shinbu tai, flown by Takayuki Yamshita Shimodate Air Base, May 17, 1945 · Nakajima Ki-84 Kó, Army Transportation Unit, 2nd Chutai, Óta air base, fall 1944 This sheet has some lovely art work on the fuiselage and tail fo the 57th Shinbu and 2nd Chutai aircraft. And ASK work capture really good their essences, checking the real photos available on the sheet. Nakajima KI-84 Hayate (Frank) - part 8 – captured by US Army Air Force: Catalogue number200-D32048 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. · Nakajima Ki-84Ko, TAIJU, Clark Field air base, The Phillippines; · Nakajima Ki-84 Kó, TAIJU, Clark Field Air base, The Phillippines; · Tachikawa Ki-106, Tachikawa Okayama factory airfield, Japan 1945; Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) – part 7 – ROCAF and PLAAF Catalogue number200-D32057 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. · Nakajima Ki-84 Kó, operated by the Kuomintang Air Force (ROCAF, National Chine – Later Taiwan AF) during the civil war of 1945-1949; · Nakajima Ki-84 Kó, operated by the Kuomintang Air Force (ROCAF, National Chine – Later Taiwan AF) · Nakajima Ki-84Kó, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, (later PRC - People of Republic China / the Communist) 1951. The set, unlike the other has two decal sheets, the second one 7b, is the fuselage insignia of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force and the marking fo the rudder of this last scheme and the second scheme. Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) – part 4 – Imperial Japanese Army Air Force - 104th Sentai Catalogue number200-D32054 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. · Nakajima Ki-84Kó, 104th Sentai, Shinkyo air base, Manchuria, August 1945. · Nakajima Ki-84Otsu, 104th Sentai, Óta air base, Japan, August 1945. · Nakajima Ki-84Otsu, 104th Sentai, Óta air base, Japan, August 1945. Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) Stencils Catalogue number200-D32060 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. The stencils are very thin, with small decal film on the edge to prevent to maximum silvering and not blurry, being quite comprehensive. this particully case, there`s quite a lots of stencils and big ones. *** Analyzing the decal sheets, the color registration is great and a very good definition of the details. The decals have a thin film, in fact looking very thin and delicate. There is no indication where are they printed so I assume that will be in ASK house. The printing quality is quite good, as they are sharp, with outline very well defined. The color look quite good and spot on. I tried already and it work great, with good adhesion to the plane surface without wrinkling or bubbling. No adverse reaction to Micro set or Micro Sol. You do have to work then with care and patience as they are very delicate and therefore, fragile. The instructions are the general ones that are applicable to all decals, it is always important to remember the general principles of decal application. In this case, there is no specific rule for applying these decals. The profiles draws contains lots of information, with side view (both side) and top view with precise decal indication. Conclusion: As you can see this week, ASK is coming with lots (really, tons) of new decals giving the modeler some great options in 1:32 and 1:48. Is a very good product, not expensive and that will give your model a different look on your collection and to the table contest or the club weekly reunion. The location indication of the decals is quite good and very perceptible. The decals as already said, have a very good colour registration, very thin, with minimum decal film, and they work quite nice! My thanks to Art Scale Decals for producing these fantastic decals and the possibility of reviewed them. Francisco Guedes .

1:32 and 1:48 Art Scale Kit Hawker Hurricane Several Sheets Keeping the pace with Art Scale Kit (ASK) decals. Today, I´m going to review 5 (five) decal sheet from ASK. All sets came in a ziplog bag, small A5 size sheet with profiles colors instructions steps how to apply ASK decals. So let’s looks to the option schemes that all decal sheets offer. But first, one detail that I loved about. In the applying instructions, in all sheets, theres`a real photo of one of the airplanes that are represented on the decal sheets. I really love that "bonus" Hawker Hurricane Mk. I, IIb – part 14 – Royal Air Force over Egypt Catalogue number200-D32040 Price: 12,50€ To order, click here. Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb, white V, HL 795, 275th Squadron, (around the period of Alemain (??) battle in late 1942) – - Note: I assume that is a typo and it should say: El Alamein battles that took place in North of Africa, late in 1942. Hawker Hurricane Mk. I, V7524, TP-S, 73th Squadron, El Adem Airfield, Libya, February 1941; Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIb, Z4932, White OL – red B, 806, Squadron NAS, base Aboukir, shot down by german ace Otto Schultz from 4/JG/27, near Martuba, 15th January 1942; Two schemes for the Mk IIb and one scheme for the Mk.I. Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc – part 9 – Royal Air Force – Burma 1943 Catalogue number200-D48053 and 200-D32035 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIc, HV 538, White B, 3th Squadron Royal Indian Air Force, 167, Wing RAF Bairegarh Airfield, Assam, Burma 1943; Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIb, KZ 352, White A-A, 1th Squadron RIAF, Imphal Airfiel, Burma 1944; Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIb, LE 146, 10th Squadron, RIAF, Kyaukpyu Airfield, Burma 1945 I have always like the Burma schemes and this one is no exception. The sheets says Hurricane Mk.IIc but the second scheme is reference that is a Mk. IIb. Also says Burma 1943 but the second and 3rd schmes are from 1944 and 1945. The 1:48 sheets also brings stencils for one aircraft. Hawker Hurricane Mk.II - part 1 – Italian Air Force Service Catalogue number200-D48044 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. Hawker Hurricane (ZMAJ) Mk.I, no. 2337, fighter cover during the evacuation of the Yugoslavian King and VIP´s from Nikšič airfield, airplane captured by Italian Army, Tirana, 16 April 1941. Hawker Hurricane (ZMAJ) Mk.I, no. 2337, Regia Aeronautica, Tirana, May 1941. Hawker Hurricane (ZMAJ) Mk.I, no. 2337, during tests in experimental centre Guidonia, Regia Aeronautica, 1941 Hawker Hurricane Mk. Ia /Mk. IIc - part 3 – Royal Air Force Service Catalogue number200-D48044 and 200-D32029 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. 1 - Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc, Red JX-E, BE581, 1 Squadron RAF, flying ace P/Lt. Karel Kuttelwascher, Tangmere airfield, May 1942, England. o Karel Miloslav Kuttelwascher, DFC and Bar (23 September 1916 – 17 August 1959) was a Czech fighter pilot, and a flying ace of the UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Second World War. § ASK has put on their website a brief history about this Ace. · He was in combat service from May 1940 to October 1942, first with the French Air Force and then with the RAF. Kuttelwascher, nicknamed "Kut", was the RAF's most successful Czechoslovak pilot, and one of the RAF's highest-scoring flying aces overall. In RAF service he shot down 18 enemy aircraft. He may also have scored numerous victories in French Air Force service, but these are unconfirmed as many French records were lost. In 1945 Kuttelwascher returned to Czechoslovakia but in 1946 he returned to Britain, where he made a civilian flying career with British European Airways. He died of a heart attack in 1959, aged 42. But there`s a lot to read about Kuttelwascher on the web, so here are two links that are very worth of reading: http://www.rogerdarlington.me.uk/nighthawk.html https://fcafa.com/2011/01/01/karel-kuttelwascher/ 2 - Hawker Hurricane Mk.Ia, P2798, No.87 Squadron RAF, Colrene, England, Decembre 1940, Flown by Squadron Leader Ian R. Gleed ASK has put on their website a brief history about this Ace: Wing Commander Ian Richard Gleed DSO, DFC (3 July 1916 – 16 April 1943), nicknamed "Widge," was a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot and flying ace credited with the destruction of 13 enemy aircraft during the Second World War. He served in the Battle of France and BAttle of Britain before being shot down and killed over Tunisia. Gleed published a fictionalized memoir - Arise to Conquer in 1942. Gleed Avenue in Bushey is named in his honour, one of a number of streets in the area named after Battle of Britain pilots. But there`s a lot to read about Gleed on the web, so here are two links that are very worth of reading: https://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Gleed.htm § http://www.hatfield-herts.co.uk/aviation/gleed.html 3 - Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc, BN185, No.432 Squadron RAF, England 1940. While the decal sheet says that is for the Hurricane Mk IIC, in fact the second scheme, Ian R.Gleed aircraft is a Mk.Ia. Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIb – part 5 – USAF service Catalogue number200-D48049 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb, black KZ492, unknow Squadron, Mediterranean area, 1944. Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb, yellow PB654, 350. Fighter Group, 346. Squadron, Emas airfield, Sardinia 1944. Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.XII, JS327, 800. Squadron, HMS Biter, Toch Landings, November 1942. Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIb – part 11 – South African Air Force Catalogue number200-D48055 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb, BE 588, 1st Squadron, South African Air Force, North Africa 1942. Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb, HL 885, 1st Squadron, South African Air Force, North Africa 1942. Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIb, HL 734, 40th Squadron (Gremlin), South African Air Force, Egypt 1942, pilot Lt. Jack Orpen. - To learn a little more: https://saafww2pilots.yolasite.com/jack-orpen.php The stencils are very thin, with small decal film on the edge to prevent to maximum silvering and not blurry, being quite comprehensive. In 1:32 you have to get the stencil sheet that gives you two complete sets for two aircrafts. ** Analyzing the decal sheets, the color registration is great and a very good definition of the details. The decals have a thin film, in fact looking very thin and delicate. There is no indication where are they printed so I assume that will be in ASK house. The printing quality is quite good, as they are sharp, with outline very well defined. The color look quite good and spot on. I tried already and it work great, with good adhesion to the plane surface without wrinkling or bubbling. No adverse reaction to Micro set or Micro Sol. You do have to work then with care and patience as they are very delicate and therefore, fragile. The instructions are the general ones that are applicable to all decals, it is always important to remember the general principles of decal application. In this case, there is no specific rule for applying these decals. The profiles draws contains lots of information, with side view (both side) and top view with precise decal indication. Conclusion: ASK is coming with lots (really, tons) of new decals giving the modeler some great options in 1:32 and 1:48. The location indication of the decals is quite good and very perceptible. The 1:48 decals schmes as a bonus of a full stencil set for one aircraft ( for 1:32, you will need to get it for another decals sheet). The decals as already said, have a very good colour registration, very thin, with minimum decal film, and they work quite nice! My thanks to Art Scale Decals for producing these fantastic decals and the possibility of reviewed them. Francisco Guedes

Pictures of the Airfix Spitfire Mk IXc 1/24 built and photographed by the Belgian modeller Dirk Devijver. Not using 1 decal and using the 1ManArmy masking set. I do like the decals stage of a build... but painted markings are the best result... and how about painted stencils? In 1:32, that stencils are bigger and the risk of silvering is a reality, I wonder, with 1ManArmy masks, if the 1:24 and 1:32 decals stencils will be in the way of extinction? I can`t, for some reason, upload all the pictures of the beautiful Spitfire so I leave here the facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=698398562327098&set=pcb.698399342327020

1:32 Art Scale Kit Aichi D3A1 Val Several Sheets Art Scale Kit (also known as ASK) is a model hobby shop but also a modelling tools producer, a resin 3D producer and also a Decal producer… So It`s a name that is getting really quickly on the top of the modelling world. Today, I´m going to review 5 (five) decal sheet from ASK. All sets came in a ziplog bag, small A5 size sheet with profiles colors instructions steps how to apply ASK decals. So let’s looks to the option schemes that all decal sheets offer. But first, one detail that I loved about. In the applying instructions, in all sheets, there is a real photo of one of the airplanes that are represented on the decal sheets. I really love that "bonus" Aichi D3A1 Val – parte 1 – Imperial Japanese Army Air Service, Pearl Harbour raid, December, 7th, 1941 Catalogue number200-D32047 Price: 18,30€ To order, click here. Aichi D3A1 Val , Model 11, BI-231, crewed by LCDR Takashige Egusa/ WO Tatsu Ishii Aichi D3A1 Val , Model 11, BI-231, crewed by LCDR Takashige Egusa/ WO Tatsu Ishii Aichi D3A1 Val , Model 11, BI-238, crewed by LCDR Kakuishi Takahashi/LTJG Seizó Koizumi. This is my favorite decal sheet of all 4. It has some really nice striking schemes for the Val. However, there is no hinomaru on it, so you have to get some extra or rely on the one that is in the model kit. Aichi D3A1 Val – parte 2 – Imperial Japanese Army Air service, Pearl harbour raid, December, 7th, 1941 Catalogue number200-D32047 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. Aichi D3A1 Val , Model 11, EII-206, aircraft carrier Zuikaku, Pearl Harbour raid, December, 7th, 1941; Aichi D3A1 Val , Model 11, AII-206, crewed by F1/c Shisaku Yanakawa, aircraft carrier Zuikaku, Pearl Harbour raid, December, 7th, 1941; Aichi D3A1 Val , Model 11, White 7, of the first production batch tests in China, early 1940 Aichi D3A1 Val - Part 3 – Japanese Imperial Army Air service Catalogue number200-D32049 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, BI-263, crewed by FPO2/c Takeo Yamazaki, aircraft carrier Soryu. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, 35-201, 35th Kokutai, celebes (Sulawesi), 1942; Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, AI-208, aircraft carrier Akagi, Battle of Midway, 4th June 1942; Aichi D3A1 Val - Part 4 – Japanese Imperial Army Air service Catalogue number200-D32047 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, 9-257, of 14th Kotukai, Nanning Airfield, South China, March 1940; Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, 3-222, of 12th Kotukai, Hankow Airfield, South China, June1940; Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, AI-205, aircraft carrier Akagi, Japan Islands, April 1941; Aichi D3A1 Val Stencils Catalogue number200-D32049 Price: 12,30€ To order, click here. The stencils are very thin, with small decal film on the edge to prevent to maximum silvering and not blurry, being quite comprehensive. ** Analyzing the decal sheets, the color registration is great and a very good definition of the details. The decals have a thin film, in fact looking very thin and delicate. There is no indication where are they printed so I assume that will be in ASK house. The printing quality is quite good, as they are sharp, with outline very well defined. The color look quite good and spot on. I tried one of the Hinomaru (that curious is not available in part 1 decal as I already said), and it work great, with good adhesion to the plane surface without wrinkling or bubbling. No adverse reaction to Micro set or Micro Sol. You do have to work then with care and patience as they are very delicate and therefore, fragile. The instructions are the general ones that are applicable to all decals, it is always important to remember the general principles of decal application. In this case, there is no specific rule for applying these decals. The profiles draws contains lots of information, with side view (both side) and top view with precise decal indication. Conclusion: ASK is coming with lots (really, tons) of new decals giving the modeler some great options in 1:32 and 1:48. The location indication of the decals is quite good and very perceptible. The decals as already said, have a very good colour registration, very thin, with minimum decal film, and they work quite nice! My thanks to Art Scale Decals for producing these fantastic decals and the possibility of reviewed them. Francisco Guedes .

Great Work!!! Congrats

1:48 Heinkel He-111 H-8 Paravane ICM Catalogue number 48267 Price: around 47€ “The Heinkel He 111 is a German airliner and bomber designed by Siegfried and Walter Günter at Heinkel Flugzeugwerke in 1934. Through development, it was described as a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Due to restrictions placed on Germany after the First World War prohibiting bombers, it was presented solely as a civil airliner, although from conception the design was intended to provide the nascent Luftwaffe with a heavy bomber. Perhaps the best-recognised German bomber of World War II due to the distinctive, extensively glazed "greenhouse" nose of the later versions, the Heinkel He 111 was the most numerous Luftwaffe bomber during the early stages of the war. It fared well until it met serious fighter opposition during the Battle of Britain, when its defensive armament was found to be inadequate. As the war progressed, the He 111 was used in a wide variety of roles on every front in the European theatre. It was used as a strategic bomber during the Battle of Britain, a torpedo bomber in the Atlantic and Arctic, and a medium bomber and a transport aircraft on the Western, Eastern, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African Front theatres. The He 111 was constantly upgraded and modified, but had nonetheless become obsolete by the latter part of the war. The failure of the German Bomber B project forced the Luftwaffe to continue operating the He 111 in combat roles until the end of the war. Manufacture of the He 111 ceased in September 1944, at which point piston-engine bomber production was largely halted in favour of fighter aircraft. With the German bomber force virtually defunct, the He 111 was used for logistics. Production of the Heinkel continued after the war as the Spanish-built CASA 2.111. Spain received a batch of He 111H-16s in 1943 along with an agreement to licence-build Spanish versions. Its airframe was produced in Spain under licence by Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA. The design differed significantly only in the powerplant used, eventually being equipped with Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. These remained in service until 1973.he H variant of the He 111 series was more widely produced and saw more action during World War II than any other Heinkel variant. Owing to the uncertainty surrounding the delivery and availability of the DB 601 engines, Heinkel switched to 820 kW (1,100 hp) Junkers Jumo 211 powerplants, whose somewhat greater size and weight were regarded as unimportant considerations in a twin-engine design. When the Jumo was fitted to the P model it became the He 111 H. The He 111 H-1 was fitted with a standard set of three 7.92 mm (0.312 in) MG 15 machine guns and eight SC 250 250 kg (550 lb) or 32 SC 50 50 kg (110 lb) bombs. The same armament was used in the H-2 which started production in August 1939. The P-series was gradually replaced on the eve of war with the new H-2, powered by improved Jumo 211 A-3 engines of 820 kW (1,100 hp). A count on 2 September 1939 revealed that the Luftwaffe had a total of 787 He 111s in service, with 705 combat ready, including 400 H-1 and H-2s that had been produced in a mere four months. Production of the H-3, powered by the 895 kW (1,200 hp) Jumo 211 D-1, began in October 1939. Experiences during the Polish Campaign led to an increase in defensive armament. MG 15s were fitted whenever possible and the number of machine guns was sometimes increased to seven. The two waist positions received an additional MG 15, and on some variants a belt-fed MG 17 was even installed in the tail. A 20 mm (0.79 in) MG FF autocannon would sometimes be installed in the nose or forward gondola. After the Battle of Britain, smaller scale production of the H-4s began. The H-4 was virtually identical to the He 111 P-4 with the DB 600s swapped for the Jumo 211D-1s. Some also used the Jumo 211H-1. This variant also differed from the H-3 in that it could either carry 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) of bombs internally or mount one or two external racks to carry one 1,800 kg (4,000 lb) or two 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) bombs. As these external racks blocked the internal bomb bay doors, a combination of internal and external storage was not possible. A PVR 1006L bomb rack was fitted externally and an 835 L (184 imp gal; 221 US gal) tank added to the interior spaces left vacant by the removal of the internal bomb-bay. The PVR 1006L was capable of carrying a SC 1000 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) bomb. Some H-4s had their PVC racks modified to drop torpedoes. Later modifications enabled the PVC 1006 to carry a 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) "Max" bomb. However 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) "Hermann" or 1,800 kg (4,000 lb) "Satans" were used more widely. The H-5 series followed in February 1941, with heavier defensive armament. Like the H-4, it retained a PVC 1006 L bomb rack to enable it to carry heavy bombs under the fuselage. The first ten He 111 H-5s were pathfinders, and selected for special missions. The aircraft sometimes carried 25 kg (55 lb) flashlight bombs which acted as flares. The H-5 could also carry heavy fire bombs, either heavy containers or smaller incendiary devices attached to parachutes. The H-5 also carried LM A and LM B aerial mines for anti-shipping operations. After the 80th production aircraft, the PVC 1006 L bomb rack was removed and replaced with a heavy-duty ETC 2000 rack, enabling the H-5 to carry the SC 2500 "Max" bomb, on the external ETC 2000 rack, which enabled it to support the 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) bomb. Some H-3 and H-4s were equipped with barrage balloon cable-cutting equipment in the shape of cutter installations forward of the engines and cockpit. They were designated H-8, but later named H8/R2. These aircraft were difficult to fly and production stopped. The H-6 initiated some overall improvements in design. The Jumo 211 F-1 engine of 1,007 kW (1,350 hp) increased its speed while the defensive armament was upgraded at the factory with one 20 mm (0.79 in) MG FF cannon in the nose and/or gondola positions (optional), two MG 15 in the ventral gondola, and one each of the fuselage side windows. Some H-6 variants carried tail-mounted MG 17 defensive armament.[54] The performance of the H-6 was much improved. The climb rate was higher and the bomber could reach a slightly higher ceiling of 8,500 m (27,900 ft). When heavy bomb loads were added, this ceiling was reduced to 6,500 m (21,300 ft). The weight of the H-6 increased to 14,000 kg (31,000 lb). Some H-6s received Jumo 211F-2s which improved a low-level speed of 365 km/h (227 mph). At an altitude of 6,000 m (20,000 ft) the maximum speed was 435 km/h (270 mph). If heavy external loads were added, the speed was reduced by 35 km/h (22 mph). Other designs of the mid-H series included the He 111 H-7 and H-8. The airframes were to be rebuilds of the H-3/H-5 variant. Both were designed as night bombers and were to have two Jumo 211F-1s installed. The intention was for the H-8 to be fitted with cable-cutting equipment and barrage ballon deflectors on the leading edge of the wings. The H-7 was never built.” The H-9 was intended as a trainer with dual control columns. The airframe was a H-1 variant rebuild. The powerplants consisted of two JumoA-1s or D-1s.[56] The H-10 was also designated to trainer duties. Rebuilt from an H-2 or H-3 airframe, it was installed with full defensive armament including 13 mm (0.51 in) MG 131 and 7.92 mm (0.312 in) MG 81Z machine guns. It was to be powered by two Jumo 211A-1s, D-1s or F-2s.”* *History from Wikipedia. Now, let´s go to the model kit. He-111 ICM has being around for quite some time now, but unbelieve I never have seen one in flesh. So I`m really excited to get my hands on the ICM release. Checking the box, is the usual ICM flip top cardboard with a separate card lid showing the artwork. Speaking of artwork, I really love these ICM artworks. No idea who is the author but kudos to his work. All the plastic sprue are in two plastic bags with the clear parts in other plastic bag inside. Checking the plastic parts, the injection markings are very sutble and mainly in places that will be hard to see when build. Its evident that ICM made the home work to make modeler live easier. I`m very pleased to see all the internal structure present in the fuselage halves and the internal detai. In the same way, I saw in the Martim Baltimore kit (here), ICM also make the join internal of the wing spars that extend beyond the engines. This help a lot the construction phase as it give wing support and correct alignment with the fuselage. Before going to the plastic parts, I wanted to checked the clear parts as the He-111 as a huge front glass gondola. 1. The transparent parts are provided for the cockpit canopy, gun turrets, and windows. They are clear and free from distortion, allowing for excellent visibility of interior details. The new sprue of the variation is the the K sprue that give us the ballon cutter (paravane) structure. Checking the wings, they are just the same as other variations, as such no location holes from cutting structure (paravane structure). It`s complex as that would involve a mold modification that would be quite expensive. If the referent pinhole were on the inside, that could have been done since the beginning of the first release… Instead, the ICM in steps 61/62 and 85/86, gives the measures in millimeters (worse, 3.5mm or 7.7mm) You will need a digital caliper) so you can drill the locations points. Are quite some complex measures directly on the mode surface and also a surgery in the wing edge cutting a little part of it to be the main external location of the paravane structure. This will not be an easy work at all. It will demand quite some measuring and pre-study to get it right but an intermediate/expert modeler should pull this off. And the G sprue is not totally equal to the H-16 for example. The H-16 version has several bombs, bombs racks, machine guns and upper fuselage parte that this G sprue don’t have. It`s much smaller and only with tailskid, central belly and fuselage end cone (This implies a little surgery as the fuselage is complete with another end cone). So, in step 43, it shows that you have to cut the end cone of the fuselage and replace it by the new one. As I said before, it’s the first time I really check a ICM He-111. That said again, I was quite impressed to have two full detail engines straight from the box that you can used like that and left it open or hyperdetailed it with some plugs and wires and simple close all up. It`s really up to the modeler. The flight control surfaces are all separated parts so it’s a cool touch from ICM that allows modeler to put the flying surface at their desired. The decal sheet has a good color registration and supply 3 finishing options: Ø He-111 H-8 Paravane, Unknown Unit 1941 Ø He-111 H-8 Paravane, IV./KG27 “BOELCKE”, France 1941 Ø He-111 H-8 Paravane, 9./KG55 “GREIF”, France Spring 1941 The instruction manual is detailed and easy to follow. It includes step-by-step assembly diagrams, color callouts, and decal placement guides. Conclusion The ICM 1:48 Heinkel He-111 H-8 is shaping up to be a standout model kit because its unique look with that Paravane structure. This structre will not be easy to install but an expert modeler (even an intermediate) will handle it with no big issues. The detail out of the box is very good and it will make a very good replica. For the expert and keen modeler some AM will make some extra detail to make this beauty into a masterpiece. Highly recommend this to intermediate/expert modeler My truly thanks to ICM for the review sample. Some extra pictures from the plastic parts: