Fran

Only saw this post today!!! What some terrible moments there Harvey!! Sorry to hear that!! See that you are getting better. Rest up, get well!!

Land Rover 88 Series IIA Rover 8 Catalogue Number AK35012 Price Tag: 37,95€ AK Interactive started to release their own brand of models, starting with some rebox. After that, they enter the injection mold world with the Toyota FJ43 that we build free paint here. Now we have the pleasure to review the new AK release: the Land Rover 88. The box art is a very attractive with a 16th/5th Lancers, from the British army. One thing that is curious and we didn’t saw in the Toyota release is that AK gave the “real name” to it: Land Rover. And you can see the Land Rover logo on the left bottom corner showing that AK got the Land Rover permission (licensed by). Opening the box, all the sprues are individually wrapped, the decals sheets are lose as the PE fret. It’s a small decal sheet and PE, so there`s no problem with that. Four tyres (rubber ones) are in a single little bag and a small cardbox inside. Opening that, a fragile piece is inside – a boxed optional canvas. The care of packing is a real plus. Nice AK. The injection looks very good with the injection pins well placed to avoid some extra work (at least it seems). Checking the sprues, the amount of parts and the details of the injection parts is really eye-catching because they are in fact really good. One of the best I have seen in 1:35. A few injection marks could be a little trouble as they probably show up after build. While the suspension is not movable, the detail is outstanding, so you get a full detail engine and full detail gearbox, alongside with radiator, battery, and the entire mechanic associated. Only you have to do is adding wires. Another thing that AK made possible: option of left or right drive vehicle. And they do not only chance the steering wheel from left to right (with a new tablier design) but they also chance all the wheel drive mechanism. Fantastic!!! The PE fret gives some extra details like the front radiator grill, engine fan and some extra engine details, clamps, windshield up and down, Land rover logo, and license plate. The external detail is also very complete and very well replicated. The final look will be a Land Rover 88 for sure. The instruction booklet is a glossy paper with 38 pages. The assembly instructions are clear, with step-by-step illustrations that guide you through the building process. The sequence of construction is logical, making it relatively easy for both beginners and experienced modelers to follow along. No kit is perfect and this have one thing that I don’t like: vinyl rubber tyres. I always get these substitute by resin ones Another thing. All the mechanical details, the interior detail (with the option for left or right side drive), the hood can be display wide open, and you simply don’t have the option of opening the doors? Probably the open mechanism is hard to achieved… The decals come in a small rectangular sheet, with very good color registration and pigmentation… Nothing to say as they are made by Cartograf. AK has provided 7 schemes for this release, which are: 1. 16th/5th Lancers, British Army, Aden, 1965 2. 16th/5th Lancers, British Army, Aden, 1965 3. 45 Commando, Royal Marines, Aden, 1967 4. RAF Masirah, Oman, 1969 5. BAOR (British Army of the Rhine), Nürburgring, West Germany, 1972 6. UNEF Finnish Battalion, Sinai Dessert, 1973 7. Lebanese Forces Armed Militia, Lebanon, 1970 - 80 Conclusion The AK Interactive 1:35 Land Rover 88 model kit offers an impressive level of detail. This release is a upgrade work of the FJ43 previous release by AK, as it has more refined details going even further in the detail… All the details are there… you can choose to put them or not, but it almost sacrilege not to show those details. In the end, you get a very well detailed model that is an attractive choice for scale model enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for military vehicles and the end result is a visually stunning and historically accurate representation of the Land Rover 88. Overall, I would highly recommend this model kit to intermediate and advanced modelers who appreciate a challenge and are willing to invest the time and effort to create a remarkable finished product. While it might require a bit more patience and skill, the AK Interactive Land Rover 88 is a rewarding build that showcases the beauty and intricacies of this iconic vehicle. Very Highly Recommend. Our thanks to AK-Interactive for the review samples and all the support given. To purchase this directly, click THIS link.

Well, I saw this other day, and forgot to share here... Upcoming 1:35 Border Spitfire... I think that might be Mk. V...

ART SCALE KIT 1:32 A-20G Details sets. * A-20 Seat set Cataloque number 200-A32002 Available at ASK store, here ASK is releasing now only several new decals sheets and a lots of masking sets… Now they enter the detail sets worlds. The first one the we will be looking is the brand new A-20 seat set. On this set, you get a seat for A-20 early type. This seat is suitable for the A-20 A, B, C up to approx. G.5 The seat is in 3D resin Print, very well printed with no printing lines at all, resulting in beautiful surface detail. Being a early seat, there`s no direct match between both seat, but een so I put here pictures of the seat that comes in the box. To be along this fantastic seat, you got textile seat belts with photoetched buckles. The seat belts are printed at laser and HGW logo is on it… so if is made by HGW so the quality is granted. The seatbelts are extremely detail, having 8 PE parts in each belt. Having working wit HGW seatbelts before, they are fabulous and in the edn they really look like the real seatbelt. They are not easy to make, at all, and I only recommend to an intermediate modeler or up. Browning .50cal/12,7mm guns for Havoc and other Catalogue number 200-A32004 Available at ASK store, here The second detail set are the front guns These come in resin 3D Print and as the other set, the printing is done with high definition on the printers, so no printing lines whatsoever. These are hollow in the barrel and the surface detail are really accentuate to represent the refrigerating gun system. These guns can be used on Havoc or any other 1:32 model that use Browning .50cal. These are a major update to the ones that are in HK Model box. CONCLUSION: Both sets are must have to all of those that have bought the new Hong Kong 1:32 A-20G as it brings the detail on those specific area to an all-new level. So treat yourself and get the 1:32 Hong Kong A-20G alongside with these two sets! Very VERY Highly recommended Fran Our thanks to ASK – Art Scale Kit for the review samples. You can get this set and all mask set at Art Scale Kit webshop

ART SCALE KIT Art Scale Kit Masks Several Masks 1:24 Hawker Typhoon Mk IB (Airfix) 1:32 Spitfire Mk. IXc (Revell) P-51 D Mustang (Tamiya) 1:35 Focke Wulf Fw-190 A6 (Border Model) 1:48 F-86 (Revell PV-1 Ventura (Revell) Hawker Hurricane Mk.II (Arma Hobby) F4U-1D Corsair (Academy) A-10C (Academy) F-14D Tomcat (AMK) AH-1QS (Special Hobby) (HK MODELS kit) Available at ASK store, here The aftermarket that I never, ever, miss in all my work: canopy mask. For one main reason: time (and personally, I hate masking canopies) With a much less amount of time you get a very good result that you also can get in the tradicional way, but with lots of time “wasted”… And there`s is a new player in town… and climb right on the top of the masking canopies world: ASK Productions canopy mask. I already use these masks in the 1:48 B-25J and the 1:32 A-20G. So all the masks come in a plastic bag like all other mask set from other brands. The mask itself is made from a tape very similar to kabuki tape, only a bit darker. The inside instructions are very clear and every mask it has it`s on number. Great touch to make your live even easier. You can get two types: one side mask and double-face mask. This so you can mask inside to make more realistic your build. It`s practically impossible to paint inside without this. The mask is easy remove from the sheet with a fine tweezer The glue on the tape is very good and it is resistant so you can glue and unglue form the clear part to get the perfect alignment without worries of losing the tape glue. The numbers are simply perfect! A great add to find that small mask in the full yellow sheet. Having already worked with these masks, you can get all the masking ray in a few minutes. It`s perfect. CONCLUSION: I love these masks set. It`s a must have in all my builds. It’s not a laser cut as ASK use a very high quality cutter that use different cutting speed and a daily changing knifes. It’s a perfect product with perfect tape glue, perfect tape, with super clear instructions with the numbers of the mask that makes the job super easy and super fast. Very VERY Highly recommended Fran Our thanks to ASK – Art Scale Kit for the review samples. You can get this set and all mask set at Art Scale Kit webshop

ok! So US and UK? Nothing in EU (like Aviation Megastore, Modelbau or ASK)?

Thanks Eli!!! When and where we can order it?

My first jet model related thing was 1:48 Zotz decals Saab J35F J Draken... Love it and i still have it... need to get it on a model! I have several Zotz decals... In fact, never used any... they are just to gourgeous to be use actually. But i need to sort that out and i will start with this new !-20 decal sheet for sure!

Wow!! cant wait for it!!

PLUSMODEL Details Sets for 1:35 Minerva Armoured Car Available from Plusmodel for the prices indicated below on the text These kid of sets from Plusmodel are new for me but a perfect logical step from Plusmodel. So, today we have two detail sets for the Copper State Model 1:35 Minerva Armoured car. Theses sets are both 3D print technology, all of the items very well packaged, with the all the parts coming inside of a bubble bag. The first one is Wheels Set (4 resin 3d pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3014 Price tag: 16,40€ – directly from Plusmodel. Minerva wheels are spoked wheels, and in the kit it is possible to see the limitation of plastic injection, as the spokes of the wheels are clearly out of scale. Before 3D printing, this type of spoke wheels was only possible to improve through real wire and some of the wheels that were handmade reached quite high values. Now with 3D printing, it is possible, with a print with great precision, to obtain these wheels, which are a masterpiece of detail and precision with the spokes of the wheels with thickness to scale (I dare to say that they must have 1mm in diameter or even less). The tires have the rubber detail perfectly defined and clear. A very simple addition (change the kit wheels) at a very reasonable cost and with clearly superior detail. * Accessories (10 resin 3D prints pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3017 Price tag: 11,13€ directly from Plusmodel. The second set gives a range of options that not all are specifically for detailing the vehicle in replacement of original parts, but new parts. So you get 22 individual parts and 80 empty cartridges. Of these 22 pieces, 12 are cartridge belts, an acetylene generator, 3 ammunition boxes (two close, one open), dashboard, acetylene generator and 80 empty cartridges. Zero instructions, only a small picture.… I was expecting more but I believe that the Minerva Instructions will help were to put part of this detail set, namely the acetylene generator because the dashboard will be easy to get it in the right place. Conclusion These two set will force me to buy the CSM Minerva because these pieces really deserved to be build and be include in the 1:35 Minerva. Despite the absence of instruction on the second set (I believe that the small picture show the generator, on the left side of the armour car, and the dashboard is easy to know where), the quality of both sets is of the highest level. The wheels are one of the best things I saw in 3D. Top noch Plusmodel, WELL DONE! Very Highly recommended With my sincere thanks to Plusmodel. To purchase directly, click this link. Francisco Guedes

PLUSMODEL Diorama Accessories Sets Available from Plusmodel for the prices indicated below on the text Continuing in reviewing Plusmodel new item, this time we got two details sets from the new line, Detail Print series and one accessories detail set in resin. Plus Model always set a originality way in their sets and these ones are no exception. All sets are in 1:35. The new line comes in a small and modern look box. The box art still have the full build set as box art. The “Grinder” comes in the traditional box way. All of the items very well packaged, with the all the parts coming inside of a bubble bag. Starting with the resin accessories detail set we get the “grinder” Grinder (10 resin parts and 3 resin 3d pieces) Catalogue n.º 588 Price tag: 16,82€ – directly from Plusmodel. This is a very welcome addition in 1:35 to ll of those who want to make a diorama with a workshop or something similar. The box brings everything you saw on the boxart. So a full workbench in a single piece is there. The drill and respectic arm is very well detailed and is in full 3D. The workbench vise is separate so it can be placed on the table anywhere or used separately. The double-ended file machine is made of 6 pieces in resin. All the pieces have enormous detail, being quite delicate, namely the 3D pieces. The resin blocks look quite easy to remove, only patience will be needed. * US Welding kit (10 resin 3D prints pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3019 Price tag: 13,07€ directly from Plusmodel. These 10 pieces in 3D are very well printed, with no distortion and nice detail. Its gives two weldings kits and extra large botlle. A wire is also in the box to be the hose. They are printed is in dark grey with no flash or printing lines. All parts are beautiful printed with fantastic detail. And the surface detail is fantastic. The resin 3D block are very easy to remove (some can be remove by hand) and are in perfect place to be removed without damage ant detail. ** German thermos Containers (10 resin 3D prints pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3011 Price tag: 10,41€ – directly from Plusmodel. The quality printing here stand also with very high quality. So there is 4 open container and 2 close ones. The ones that have a cap in open position, are totally hollow , so you can had “water” on it… Would be a good an extra realism on it. The resin blocks are not so easy to remove that the welding kit set, ans part of them are in the container body, so care and lots of patience should be necessary to reduce the work of removing the connections marks and keep the surface detail. Four small containers are also in the set and an old kettle. This old kettle is very delicated but is a beauty and it will add extra detail to your work, US Engineered Pulleys WWII (Resin 3D prints pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3018 Price tag: 9,92€ – directly from Plusmodel. Finally, a set with four engineer pulleys of the US Army. Well, are only four but it is a quite complex building with lots of parts, namely many screws and nuts. It’s not an easy build because you don’t get any instructions but a full image of it. So this set can`t be for a novice modeler at all but expert modeler (or a high intermediate modeler) The detail, once again is impressing and everything and these can by use almost in every diorama with US recovery vehicle or in a workshop. Conclusion These four sets of accessories for dioramas translate once again well Plusmodel philosophy: originality, quality and versatility. The quality is of the highest level, now with their new line using 3D Printing technology. Some of these set are not for novice modeler (and the Engineered Pulleys for experience modeler) and an intermediate modeler can make something very good out of these sets. And the detail that will be add to the diorama will be well worth. Very Highly recommended With my sincere thanks to Plusmodel for these review sample. To purchase directly, click this link. Francisco Guedes

WINGSPAN 5 1:32 Aircraft Modelling Several authors Publisher: Canfora – Graphic Design & Publishing 128 pages Landscape format (A4 size with softcover) 10 full features build Price tag: 27 euros [ Canfora Publishing has several book of Aircraft, AFV and diorama modelling as historic book. Now Canfora release the 5 volume of this series, with a special edition. It`s a special edition because it`s a edition totally dedicated to World War One!! And of course at a 1:32. In the cover page, is spectacular 1:32 Copper State Models Caudron G.III. The whole structure between the various items is identical in approach to the subject, but with five different modellers with distinctive styles. So, this book is not a FAQ or a pure SBS as full-page close-ups are combined with step-by-step but an informative and mojo up to modeler. Canfora decided to keep the format, being quite different for other books, in landscape. In wining time you don’t chance. The works are inspirational and can effective have a positive effect in modeler motivation. All the builds are flawless and simply amazing, specially being WWI. All features have a small side table, with main information: the model kit used, the aftermarkets, and paints brands (and not the references). Also every single work has a color label to identify all articles, to a quick search. The first build is Hansa Brandenburg W.12. This iconic model from Wingnut Wings was build by Mikael Terfors. This particularly model is one of most wanted model kits from the deceased model company Wingnut Wing, alongside the W.29. In every build, is given an information of which accessories were use. In this cause, the aftermarket used were Aviattic German Naval Hex printed linen “faded” (ATT32113) and EZ-line 0,15 Monoline 0.14 Despite not being a step by step book, the author, in the text, describes what he did, what colors he used and techniques he used. Although not mentioned, the author used HGW wood decals in the interior. The second build is 1:32 CSM Nieuport XVII made by the great modeler Zdenek Sebesta. Several AM itens were used and the author decided to cut the front part of the fuselage in a quite easy operation. I`m really impressed with the linen effect obtain with the help of Aviattic 32226 Linen Decal… Need to source a couple of decal sheets. The next one is one of my favourite model kits from WingNut Wings, the Jeanin Stahltaube. The model was made by Dirk Polchow Lots of information about the building and painting process, but I would highlight all the tips to paint that daunting cowling in silver. It`s all there to make your work much easier. Last but not the least, the author gives several interesting thoughts and tips of the very complex rigging despite being a monoplane. Mikael Terfors back with a 1:32 Roden Royal Aircraft Factory SE. 5a. Yes a 1:32 Roden SE5a. The build is outstating and Mike really took the best of Roden model with lots of work that he kindly shows on the progress chapter and in the long text showing all the work. Mikael Terfors keeps the pace and brings a full build of the 1:32 Copper State Model Caudron G.III. And what a beautiful work, outstanding really. All the work is very well explain by the author and all the info to make a great work with this model kit is all there. It`s up to the modeler`s capacity. The iconic Fokker Dr.I must be in any WWI modelling publication. Kamil Trembacz builds the one from Meng (that is actually the ex-WnW mold) with the Rudolf Klimbe markings. I love to see that the streakings on the wings and fuselage are made with oils and are not decals (this has step by step pictures). Really nice work. In fact, this build has 3 “in-progress” pages with some complete step-by-step build parts. The guest editor Mikael Terfours was quite busy in the book and I`m quite glad that he did beause he is a truly marvelous WWI modeller. Next one he tackle the 1:32 Special Hobby Fokker D.II, making a full scratch cockpit and getting around all the challenges that this particular model has. All is explain by the author by pictures or text. Was quite a demaning build but the result is in fact outstanding. Back to wingnut Wing, the guest Editor tackles the Junkers D. 1 and to make it a little more interesting, he did it some fuselage damage and explain how he did it. Now, enter in scene the Editor Toni Canfora with a 1:32 Special Hobby Morane Saulnier Type N that made a very good work with this very difficult model kit. The detail put on it is very good and you must love the Webley pistol, map and spare drum magazine on the top of the wing, just beside the cockpit. And finaly, the 1:32 Wingnut Wings Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) IV by Mikael Terfors, one of my favourite WWI airplane. Conclusion It's a display of beautiful works, with tips and some photos of WIP with spectacular photographs of fantastic models. Several techniques are presented throughout the several builds, it is told how to do, with several pictures of the step to take and to achieved that goal. Also show up the use several aftermarkets items on the builds Every single work is top quality, the best you can see in magazines and modelling books This Wingspan is, probably, the best 1:32 Aircraft modelling book on market. This publication has a fantastic color registration and print quality, with some excellent model photography reproduced on 128 glossy pages. Very Highly Recommend Thanks to Canfora Publishing for the review sample.

Fantastic news Eli. It´s great to see you back! Blessings, please stay safe and take it easy. Looking forward for the upcoming decals

Any news about this?

Great great work Ernie! Also love the base!!!

Wheels and Wings hobbies... Were they open back in 2001? I went to Toronto in 2001, with friends and i went to a hobbystore...Back them I was quite shy, so I went, Iwas marvelous with all the models... (this is prior to the massive use of internet and web shopping)... So I didnt talk with the Owner/employer.. but I was fascinated and I bought a 1:48 hasegawa Ki-84 Skelaton version and the brand new Accurate Miniature 1:48 Il-2 Shturmovik ... I dont know if it was WheelsWings hobbies or other store, but checking google earth I could bet that was Wings and Wheels

Love it!! Good work!

1:48 BRISTOL BEAUFORT Mk. I “WWII British Dominions Air Force” ICM Catalogue n.º 48132 € 54,20 – in Art Scale Kit In 1935 the Air Ministry had issued two specifications, M.15/35 and G.24/35, which detailed requirements for a torpedo-bomber and a general reconnaissance/ bomber respectively. The latter was required to replace the Avro Anson in service for this role and. as mentioned in the Bristol Blenheim entry, was to be met by the Bristol Type 149 which was built in Canada as the Bolingbroke. To meet the first requirement, for a torpedo-bomber, Bristol began by considering an adaptation of the Blenheim, identifying its design as the Type 150. This proposal, which was concerned primarily with a change in fuselage design to provide accommodation for a torpedo and the installation of more powerful engines, was submitted to the Air Ministry in November 1935. After sending off these details of the Type 150, the Bristol design team came to the conclusion that it would be possible to meet both of the Air Ministry's specifications by a single aircraft evolved from the Blenheim, and immediately prepared a new design outline, the Type 152. By comparison with the Blenheim Mk IV, the new design was increased slightly in length to allow for the carriage of a torpedo in a semi-exposed position, provided a navigation station, and seated pilot and navigator side-by-side. Behind them were radio and camera positions which would be manned by a gunner/camera/radio operator. The Type 152 was more attractive to the Air Ministry, but it was considered that a crew of four was essential, and the accommodation was redesigned to this end. The resulting high roofline, which continued unbroken to the dorsal turret, became a distinguishing feature of this new aircraft, built to Air Ministry Specification 10/36, and subsequently named Beaufort. Detail design was initiated immediately, but early analysis and estimates showed that the intended powerplant of two Bristol Perseus engines would provide insufficient power to cater for the increase of almost 25 per cent in gross weight without a serious loss of performance. Instead, the newly developed twin-row Taurus sleeve-valve engine was selected for the Beaufort, the only concern being whether it would be cleared for production in time to coincide with the construction of the new airframe. The initial contract, for 78 aircraft, was placed in August 1936, but the first prototype did not fly until just over two years later, on 15 October 1938. There had been a number of reasons for this long period of labour, one being overheating problems with the powerplant, and another the need to disperse the Blenheim production line to shadow factories before the Beaufort could be built. Test flying of the prototype revealed a number of shortcomings, leading to the provision of doors to enclose the main landing gear units when retracted, repositioning of the engine exhausts, and an increase to two machine-guns in the dorsal turret. These and other items, added to continuing teething problems with the new engine, delayed the entry into service of the Beaufort Mk Is, these first equipping No. 22 Squadron of Coastal Command in January 1940. It was this unit, which on the night of 15-16 April 1940, began the Beaufort's operational career by laying mines in enemy coastal waters, but in the following month all in-service aircraft were grounded until engine modifications could be carried out. Earlier, the Australian government had shown interest in the Beaufort, and following the visit of a British Air Mission in early 1939, it was decided that railway and industrial workshops could be adapted to produce these aircraft, resulting in the establishment of two final assembly plants (at Fishermen's Bend, Melbourne, and at Mascot, Sydney) with the production backing of railways workshops at Chullora, Islington and Newport. Twenty sets of airframe parts and the eighth Bristol built Beaufort Mk I (L4448, which became A9-1001) was imported for trials, but at an early stage the Australians decided they did not want the Taurus powerplant. Accordingly, they had obtained a licence from Pratt & Whitney to build the Twin Wasp (already being licence built by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Australia), and these were to power all Australian-built Beauforts, which eventually totalled 700. As from May 1941, several notable long distance flights were carried out by this experimental prototype and all expectations were exceeded. The first DAP Beaufort was tested in August 1941, and was one of a batch of 180 ordered by the RAF for use in the Far East. Australian production began in 1940, the first Australian Beaufort Mk V making its initial flight in May 1941. Apart from the change in engines, these were generally similar to their British counterparts except for an increase in fin area to improve stability with the powerful Twin Wasp engine. In fact, engine and propeller changes accounted for most of the different variants produced by the Australian factories. These included the Beaufort V (50) and Beaufort VA (30), both with licence-built Twin Wasp S3C4-G engines; Beaufort VI (40 with Curtiss propellers) and Beaufort VII (60 with Hamilton propellers), all 100 being powered by imported SlC3-G Twin Wasps due to insufficient licence production; and the Beaufort VIII with licence-built S3C4-Gs. This last mark was the definitive production version, of which 520 were built, and had additional fuel tankage, Loran navigation system and variations in armament, with production ending in August 1944. Some 46 of the last production batch were subsequently converted to serve as unarmed transports; designated Beaufort IX, this variant had the dorsal turret removed and the resulting aperture faired in. The powerplant rating of all the Australian versions was 1,200 hp (895 kW). The Beaufort was used extensively by the Royal Australian Air Force in the Pacific theatre, serving from the summer of 1942 until the end of World War II. The early trials of the Australian Beaufort V with Twin Wasp engines induced the Air Ministry to specify this powerplant for the next contract, and a prototype with these American engines was flown in November 1940. The first production Beaufort Mk II flew in September 1941, and by comparison with the Beaufort Mk I revealed much improved take-off performance. However, because of a shortage of Twin Wasps in the UK, only 164 production Mk IIs were built before Mk Is with improved Taurus XII engines were reintroduced on the line. In addition to the powerplant change, this version had structural strengthening, a changed gun turret, and ASV radar with Yagi aerials. When production of this version ended in 1944, well over 1,200 Beauforts had been built in Britain. The final two Beaufort designations, Mk III and Mk IV, related respectively to a version with Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engines of which none were built, and a version with two 1,250 hp (932 kW) Taurus XX engines of which only a prototype was built. Beauforts were the standard torpedo-bomber in service with Coastal Command during 1940-43, equipping Nos. 22, 42, 86, 217, 415 and 489 Squadrons in home waters, and Nos. 39, 47 and 213 in the Middle East. They were to acquit themselves well until superseded by the Beaufighter, involved in many of the early and bloody attacks against the German battle cruisers Gneisenau and Scharnhorst, and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, three vessels that often seemed to be invincible, at least to aircraft carrying conventional weapons.- - Historical entry by - http://www.pilotfriend.com/photo_albums/timeline/ww2/Bristol%20Beaufort.htm Now a little history in video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEEtbTBmuPE Let`s take a look at the ICM Bristol Beaufort. I confess that it is the first time I see this particularly kit in flesh, even thought this is a rebox of the original release last year. ICM boxes are quite sturdy, as the art design is just a cover top for a top-opening box, quite sturdy and resistance. It is a nice solution, and I believe probably a lower cost one. Inside of the box, eight gray plastic sprue and one large clear part sprue. The gray plastic is easy to work with no being to brittle or not to soft. The Fuselage has all the internal ribbing, in the cockpit area and tail wheel bay. One very good thing that you see in all latest models is the internal frame fro the fuselage clear that it will assure you a good and sturdy fit. A few injection marks but probably only one will be visible, and in fact is very soft so no problem in removing it. The wings. The come in two halfs, as usual. The surface detail is limited to panel lines that are very well defined and clean and a few raised panels. The wheels pit as no detail at all, being that reserved to the gondola halves, that have some internal detail. Inside the wings, in the fuselage connection theres the ICM usual connection strudy system to help the modellers in having a quite easy fit between fuselage and wings. All these big parts have connections points and I was curious to see how it all fit and I give I a go… All dryfit and very good fit even without a single glue. The wings jugs are essential In sprue C, we have some cockpit detail, engine – Wheels bay gondolas, flaps, tail fin and wings jigs, rudder. The wings jigs have internal detail as they work also give interior detail with nacelles fuselage. Some cockpit and internal floors and a nice engraved and raised detail instrument panel. If you do not want to spend more money, with this detail instrument and the instruments bezels in decal in box, with a little work you could get a very good result. Sprue D Keeping all the main parts in this sprue that give the tailwheel, several interior parts with very nice detail for pilot cockpit and radio compartment, tail wings, engine bonnet, all with nice and clean surface detail. Unfortunally, it takes a lot of surgery to get the engine open to show their full detail and the cooling flaps are also close. Sprue E (x2) So, now a duplicate sprue as it deals with engine, wheels, propeller, landing gear and defensive armament. All the parts are very delicated and with a very good detail. I`m in fact impressed with the detail that ICM can get from injection modeling. The wheels are in two halfs.. I really don’t like wheels in two halves but I got to give to ICM… Thse are a very good looking wheels with very good rims detail. The Taurus Engine. ICM gives us two well-detailed banks of cylinders with a circular collector ring attached to the centre by three stators, plus a complex system of tubes installed around the circumference in between the cylinders. The detail of the engine straight from the box is very good and that why I think that a engine bay open would be a great option. Sprue F Constains the parts from the turret with inner carriage. Sprue extra: WWII British Torpedo Trailer Well, this is a kit itself. You don’t get only a detail torpedo but you also get the trailer. Very good addiction to help with a diorama. Very nice touch ICM. The clear parts All the clear parts, and there are quite a few, are made with very good frame detail and they are in fact clear. The decal sheet One single almost A5 size sheet, with all the markings, insignias, instruments and several stencils. The colour and pigmentation looks quite good. I think that they are ICM productions and they usually work well. Options given: 1. Bristol Beaufort Mk. I N1089 or N1106 P, No.489 Sqn. RNZAF, Fall, 1941 2. Bristol Beaufort Mk. I L9802 GX-S, No.415 Sqn. RCAF, Thorney Island, November 1941 3. Bristol Beaufort Mk. I 753 O, 36 Coastal Flight SAAF, Wingfield, Capetown, Spring 1942 4. Bristol Beaufort Mk. I 761 W, 27 Coastal Flight SAAF, Spring 1942 5. Bristol Beaufort Mk. I N1030, No.149 Sqn. RCAF, British Columbia, June 1943 Instructions: It’s a booklet with 23 pages each the first 3 and the last 3 are in glossy paper and the remains one in normal paper. I do like the touch of glossy paper but for workbench (to take notes, to risk parts) I prefer the normal mate paper. A very short historical note is given. The drawings are quite easy to understand and very comphenensive, so it will be easy to follow even to the novice modeler. The colour indication of the interior parts could be a more clear one with a little more color indications. About the colour to use, ICM give a table chart only with ICM colors, which is comprehensive as they launch their own colours… It would be nice to have the British Standard Colors indication. For the experience modeler, that lack of info is not a problem but for the others modelers that don’t have another colour manufacture reference or British Standard Colors, must get ICM colours. I think that is the ICM goal. I have no idea how those colour work however so I cant help with that. A final really nice touch: masking template. While not a masking set, it`s an easy systm to get your canopy masked, better than make your own masking using the clear parts as guide with all the danger of ruin the clear parts. Conclusion: Well, what a really nice kit. As you can see, the cleaning parts are reduce to minimum, the fit (at least the dryfit of the main parts) is excellent and the surface detail is quite good and damn, its really looks like a Beaufort. Ther`s a lots of decals options in the market today if you don’t want a British dominions marking. So you can get a really nice model straight from the box with the well-known high current ICM quality, even without any extra parts (resin or PE) So, just go and get one and built it! You will enjoy. My sincere thanks to ICM for the review sample. You can get your ICM model kit on Art Scale Kit - https://www.artscale.eu/

She is beautifull!! Congratulations!!!

oh boy, I want!! how can we get from? Only Hannants?

PLUSMODEL Diorama Modern Accessories Sets Available from Plusmodel for the prices indicated below on the text At Large Scale Modeller we just received Plusmodel new line, Detail Print series. So first ones that we are reviewing is some modern diorama stuff. Plus Model came again with very original stuff bringing quality and originality to your work, All sets are in 1:35 and they come in a new, more modern look box. The box art still have the full build set as box art. All of the items very well packaged, with the all the parts coming inside of a bubble bag. Traffic Cones (10 resin 3D prints pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3013 Price tag: 8,23€) – directly from Plusmodel. The set is a quite simple and effective one if you can paint it properly. It´s not hard to paint too. The quality of the print is very good and it’s quite easy to cut the part. The cones are hollow and you can easy make a hole in the top to make it more realistic. * Direct Columns (10 resin 3D prints pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3013 Price tag: 9,92€ directly from Plusmodel. These 10 pieces are very well printed, with no distortion, and quite some nice a subtle surface detail, that give it a very good realism and makes it easier to paint. Directional Boards (10 resin 3D prints pieces) Catalogue n.º DP3020 Price tag: 13,07€) – directly from Plusmodel. The quality printing here stand also with very high quality, with subtle detail to give you some guilines to paint thered and white There is 10 pieces but you can only make 5 directional columns. And these are, in fact, directional, so you can put them in the positions that you want. Conclusion: These three sets of accessories for dioramas translate once again well Plusmodel philosophy: originality, quality and versatility. The quality is of the highest level, now with their new line using 3D Printing technology. These are simple but effective sets to enhance a modern/city or sci-fi diorama. Very Highly recommended With my sincere thanks to Plusmodel for this review sample. To purchase directly, click this link.

Congrats to the winners!!! Well deserved!

Limited Edition Hong Kong Models 1:32 B-17 G "Rose of York".

Happy Birthday Martin!!!! Have a good one!