Scale Modelling news, reviews, features and more...
POTENT PAIRING
Mounting an anti-tank gun on an established chassis was commonplace during World War Two, and Airfix’s 1/35 Jagdpanzer 38(t) depicts such a combination of the Czech LT vz. 38 tank – Panzer 38(t) in German service – with a PaK 39 L/48 weapon.
IT'S A JEEP!
Dragon has repackaged its 1/4-ton 4x4 truck (the Jeep name is omitted from the title for licensing reasons) with extra parts to depict an Israeli-modified machine.
DIFFERENT TRACKS
Italian resin specialist WIP3D has released a gorgeous 3D-printed 1/72 Italian Mod.42 armoured railway truck (also available as 35010 in 1/35).
SOVIET DISPLAY
Re-releasing vintage kits is very much in vogue, and Revell has reissued Matchbox’s 1970s-era 1/76 T-34/76 tank, complete with a diorama base for displaying the completed model.
COMMAND AND CREW
Another version of ICM’s 1/35 ZiL-131 KShM has arrived, this time paired with the firm’s Soviet Drivers 1979-91 figures (available separately as 35641).
'PLANE PULLING
Planet Models’ complex yet highly accurate aircraft tug is just the thing for a modern Luftwaffe aircraft diorama.
WARTIME WRECKER
Fans of 1/72 scale military modelling now have their own newly tooled Scammell Pioneer and IBG’s release packs in detail commonly associated with a 1/35 kit.
TIGER BY THE TOE
Although intended for wargamers, this Forces of Valor 1/72 Sd.Kfz.182 ‘King’ Tiger tank is similarly suitable as a beginner’s modelling project courtesy of the pre-coloured styrene and large attachment points – the latter meaning sections can be assembled without glue.
HUNTING IN THE SNOW
Italeri has updated its 1/35 Jagdpanther kit with new vinyl two-piece tracks and teamed with MiniArt, which provides a set of five crew figures (35021 – designed originally for a Panzer IV).
DESERT TIN LIZZIE
The latest ICM 1/35 Model T offering combines its splendid military Light Car Patrol (LCP) vehicle (35663) with a pair of ANZAC crew from its 1917-1919 set (35707) at a great value price.
NINE TONS IN TOTAL
ICM’s latest Diorama Series combination package offers superb value for money by combining its 1/35 Ford V3000S (35411), Mercedes-Benz L3000S (35420) and KHD S3000 (35451) for less than the price of two of these kits bought individually.
EARLY-WAR ARTILLERY
First to Fight specialises in 1/72 kits of soldiers and equipment used by German and Polish forces at the start of World War Two, such as the latter’s 75mm armata wz. 1897 guns – ex-French Canon de 75 modèle 1897s.
ROMMEL'S DESERT FIGHTERS
Following the return of its 1/76 British 8th Army (see July 2020, p86), Airfix has added the German Afrika Korps to its Vintage Classics range, enabling modellers to recreate World War Two’s desert campaign.
READYING A WIMPEY
CMK’s three-figure set is intended to complement Airfix’s 1/72 Wellington, and provides a three-piece seated pilot (provided in the left-hand seat with a replacement control column), leaning four-part probable flight engineer and a standing crewman.
SOVIET PLANE DRIVERS
Although ICM’s Soviet pilot figures are the ideal accompaniment for its 1/32 scale aircraft kits, these are equally suitable for any early Russian World War Two aircraft, comprising one seated (depicted in a Polikarpov I-16 on the box cover) and two standing, as if giving/receiving a verbal mission brief.
PROPELLER WASH
While intended to complement Special Hobby’s newly tooled Siebel Si 204, this figure, which is posed as if cleaning a propeller blade, would be suitable for any Argus engine-powered airframe.
BALTIC-THEATRE ROMAN
Established as a German puppet state during World War Two, the Italian Social Republic’s armed forces included a voluntary women’s corps – Servizio Ausiliario Femminile (Female Auxiliary Service), and WIP3D’s figure represents a member of this group
NON-COMBAT STINGERS
ICM has expanded its range of 1/32 aircrew figures to include Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (often abbreviated to WASPs) – American women who flew testing, transport and training missions so that male airmen could undertake combat roles.
EYE-CATCHING BUG
Here’s a bright and colourful VW Beetle from Airfix’s Quickbuild range that’s ideal for a weekend project and a perfect introduction to the hobby
ROLLING STARTER
It might be hard to believe, but Revell’s ’55 Chevy convertible is now 25 years old and, in its latest guise as the 1955 Indianapolis pace car, it is offered in a striking red/white livery.
"SO LONG AS IT'S BLACK"
Here’s another value-for-money package from ICM, combining its 1/24 Model T Delivery car (24008) and American Gasoline Loaders figures (24018) for less than the price of buying these kits separately.
WINGS AND EYEBROWS
Italeri has released a 1/24 Mercedes-Benz 300SL coupé – the model made famous by its unmistakable ‘gullwing’ doors – following previous releases depicting the subsequently built roadster version.
NATIONAL GUARD SPECIALS
Modellers wanting colourful markings for their 1/32 F-16Cs need look no further than this lovely set from Euro Decal.
BALKAN FISHBEDS
Here’s a great set for those wanting a different livery on their 1/144 scale MiG-21bis, with markings for two Croatian Air Force Fishbeds.
FINNS ON FOUR WHEELS
Suitable for Fiat 131 kits by Esci/Italeri or Fujimi, these striking markings from Decalcas allow modellers to depict an entrant in the Rallye de Portugal – Vino do Porto 1977.
FAR EASTERN INSIGNIA
Bright Spark’s limited edition single sheet is dedicated to all styles of Pakistani Air Force and Navy roundels and tail flashes since independence was gained in 1947.
NAVAL PRIMATE
Here’s another MILSPEC three-sheet package for a 1/72 F-4J Phantom, this time depicting a VF-33 ‘Tarsiers’ airframe (whose nickname referred to a fierce primate species). One sheet contains subject-specific serials/unit markings, including lightning-shaped embellishments for to the fuselage.
NORDIC LIASON
Perfect for any 1/72 Fieseler Fi 156 Storch offering, these Moose Republic decals provide options for 11 liveries applied to aircraft used by the Finnish, Swedish or Norwegian Air Forces.
STRIKING STALLIONS
While there’s no shortage of markings options for 1/72 P-51 Mustang models, this Kits-World selection is a set of four particularly eye-catching USAAF liveries for the thoroughbred fighter.
INTERIOR DISPLAYS
Airscale’s instrument decals are ideal for recreating the busy appearance of aircraft cockpit interiors without the need for fine detail painting, and this selection is perfect for any 1/32 model of modern jets.