Scale Modelling news, reviews, features and more...
MILES MESSENGERS FROM KP
Kovozávody Prostějov has released a new-tool Miles M.38 Messenger Mk.I in 1/72 scale, via three different boxings. CHRIS CLIFFORD inspects the parts.
NEW ITALIAN BOMBER KIT FROM SPECIAL HOBBY
Anyone considering builds of Italian Air Force World War Two aircraft shouldn't miss Special Hobby's new Piaggio P.180B 'Quadrimotore' heavy bomber. It's a sizeable subject with markings for four liveries.
‘TWIN-TUB’ SUPER HORNET REVIVAL
If you want a wallet-friendly and reasonably well detailed kit of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, Revell's re-released product could be just the ticket. It comes with markings for the 'Jolly Rogers' and 'Red Rippers'.
SCENIC MODELLING SECOND HELPING
Per Olav Lund offered a wealth of advice and inspiration in his first scenic modelling book, A World of Dioramas. Volume II is out now via Canfora Publishing, and provides even more great ideas to explore and adapt.
TWO-WHEELED TRACK STAR
Tamiya can always be relied on to 'ace' a motorcycle kit. That's certainly the case with its stunning new 1/12 Team Suzuki Ecstar GSX-RR '20 package, which can be embellished even further with a proprietary Detail-Up set.
AIRSPEED, ALTITUDE AND MORE
MMP's new book can help you achieve the utmost accuracy in your Luftwaffe cockpits, with detailed artwork, photos and factory drawings relevant to 12 aircraft types... bombers and fighters.
‘TOP’ AID FOR MODELLING DETAIL
Kagero's Topdrawings series provides highly useful scale plans in various scales, across the aircraft, military vehicle and maritime genres. Also included are colour profile artwork, and in some cases, free masking foils.
ALL-NEW MID-LIFE UPDATE VIPER
Jet fighter fans will welcome the news that Kinetic is to produce an all-new 1/48 F-16MLU NATO Viper kit. It offers stunning detail and a serious weapons selection, comprising air-to-air and 'mud-moving' stores.
RECCE THOROUGHBRED
Garry Tobiss builds what's arguably the best P-51B/C Mustang in 1/72 scale... Arma Hobby's newly tooled offering.
LARGE-SCALE HARRIER PANEL
With the news that Airfix is re-releasing its 1/24 Harrier GR.1, aftermarket specialist Airscale has produced a stunning replacement instrument panel. It'll raise the refinement levels no end!
ANIME LINER DIORAMA
Bags of fun lie in store for any modeller considering Suyata's Titanic Port Scene & Vehicle package, which offers snap-fit assembly and impressive detail. It's an appealing project teens and adults alike, especially if you enjoy Japanese anime and its culture.
F-84F THUNDERSTREAK REPRISE
Kinetic's original 1/48 F-84F Thunderstreak tooling is available again, now with new decals for two USAF airframes. Read our full review here.
SATURN ROCKET BIBLE
No Real Space modeller should be without Crécy Publishing's new hardback on NASA's Saturn 1B rocket. It mixes fascinating background and technical text with useful official drawings and glorious period imagery.
1/24 SPITFIRE MK.IX MARKINGS FROM XTRADECAL
Hannants house brand Xtradecal is catering for Airfix's forthcoming 1/24 Spitfire Mk.IXc witn two excellent new sets of markings, for various Mk.IX sub-types. The ten schemes are pleasingly varied, ensuring interesting and different build options.
EASTERN BLOC MUD-MOVER RETURNS
As it gradually re-releases old ESCI mouldings, Italeri has now selected the former's 1/48 MiG-27 for the same treatment, and you can also build a MiG-23BN from the same parts. This is vintage tooling, though, and will need much work to make a refined, accurate replica. However, the new decals are superb.
Academic Excellence: Yeovil Model Show Report
EXTRA IMAGES INSIDE: Yeovil’s Model Show made a welcome return during October 2021 and this increasingly popular privately-run Somerset exhibition has since adopted a twice-yearly format. Malcolm V Lowe sampled the atmosphere...
STUDY OF A FLEXIBLE LUFTWAFFE WARRIOR
If you're a fan of building Luftwaffe bombers, Crécy Publishing's new book on the Luftwaffe's Dornier Do 217 is a stunning reference, with fascinating narrative and revealing photos. The imagery is helpful with camouflage, structural detail and weaponry.
ISRAELI ‘KILLER EGG’ RETURNS
Dragon's 1/35 Hughes MD500 TOW-armed helicopter has been re-released, offering rotorcraft fans the chance to build an Israeli machine.
Flaps, Slats and Cats!
Chris Jones builds Tamiya's latest boxing of its 1/48 F-14A Tomcat, which comes with carrier deck diorama items. With 'Top Gun: Maverick' proving to be a huge hit in the cinemas, it's the perfect time to get nostalgic about the star of the original movie.
TOMCAT: MIGHTY WINGS
Revel in the varied colour schemes of the mighty F-14 Tomcat with our dedicated photo reference feature. Low- and high-vis examples are included for anyone considering building this famous US Navy interceptor.
DEFENDERS OF ‘WHEAT AND SKY’
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has thrown a stark spotlight on the latter's air force and its assets. If you wish to build models on this theme, a superb book from Crecy Publishing is an invaluable reference.
Wartime Saviour from Airfix: 1/35 Austin K2/Y Ambulance first look!
Airfix's fifth new-tooling of 2022, a 1/35 Austin K2/Y Ambulance, has royal connections and its release coincides closely with Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Examine this newly tooled model kit via AMW's first look here!
ARMA’S MUSTANG RIDES AGAIN!
There's another opportunity to enjoy Arma Hobby's recent new-tool 1/72 Mustang, courtesy of a fresh recce-themed F-6C Expert Set boxing, which comes with photo-etched brass details. Go on... you know you want one!
NEW AIRCRAFT STORES FROM BRENGUN
Brengun has released a new and super-useful selection of aftermarket aircraft stores spanning the three most popular scales. World War Two and post-war types are catered for.
‘GHOST OF KYIV’ FULCRUM
ICM has re-released its 1/72 MiG-29 9-13 Fulcrum in a patriotic 'Ghost of Kyiv' boxing, with new pixel camouflage decals. 50% of the proceeds will go to the armed forces of Ukraine.
PEEPING SPIT ‘EIGHTEEN’ MARKINGS FROM XTRADECAL
Timed to complement Airfix's recent 1/48 Spitfire MK.XVIII kit, Hannants' own brand Xtradecal has released markings for six FR.18e schemes. There's plenty of variety here for this Griffon-powered recce version.
F-14 Tomcat Quiz
With Top Gun: Maverick proving a huge success in cinemas, we offer a fun quiz on the star of the original film, the F-14. Do you know your stuff regarding the mighty Tomcat? Why not take our brain-teasing challenge and find out?
The Need... For Speed! Revell's Top Gun: Maverick F/A-18E Super Hornet
Chris Jones brings the silver screen to quarter scale with Maverick’s Super Hornet from the hotly anticipated 'Top Gun' sequel, via Revell’s 1/48 kit. Relive the high-octane movie with this fast-paced build feature!
A Successful Return: Aldingbourne Modellers IPMS Model Show
EXTRA IMAGES INSIDE: Malcolm V Lowe visits the 2022 edition of the Aldingbourne IPMS event, reporting on the modelling sights on show - featuring extra online-only images.