THINK PAINTING A MODEL AIRLINER IS HARD WORK? HAVE A LOOK AT THE REAL THING IN THIS FOUR-MINUTE VIDEO

Mr J REPORT:
I can remember my very first airliner kit, a 1:96 scale Frog de Havilland Comet IV. The kit came with minimal detail, but did have looong decal strips for the fuselage sides, and a daunting amount of white paint was needed to cover the upper surface. After much careful application of tape, on went the paint and, well, to my chagrin much of it seeped underneath, and the kit was never the same again. I soon learned to mask with the best of them, but somehow never really returned to airliners with any degree of enthusiasm!

How I wish I'd had the facilities shown here for a Thomson Airways revamp from old insignia to swoopy new markings. I wish!

INCOMING - USS ‘NEW YORK’ AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT SHIP FROM REVELL

SMN REPORT

Revell’s output of ships is strong at the moment, and here’s an up to the moment 1:350 scale kit of the USS New York, a tech-packed amphibious warfare ship.

About the kit

This kit is interesting not just for the ship itself, but for the combat craft that come with it. The USS New York is a formidable attack machine, which the kit reflects pretty well, supplying hovercraft, landing craft, assault vehicles, eight helos and a pair of Osprey tilt-rotor transports.

Destined for a diorama?

The USS New York comes in 1:350 scale, giving the assembled vessel a length of some 594 mm (23.4 in) so it’s a good size, especially if you unload the combat craft and display them around it. Of course, a model like this is just made for a diorama setting, and the various landing craft will only look convincing while floating on a simulated ocean surface. You’ll also have to source some 1:350 crew figures to finish it off well - try a set to the same scale made by Tamiya, link and pic at the bottom.

What’s included:

* Photo-etch parts, metal anchor chain
* One-piece hull, screws, drive shafts
* Finely detailed flight deck, radar towers, railings
* Floodable well deck, can be built open or closed
* Aircraft hangar, vehicle cargo space
* 2 LCAC hovercraft
* 1 LCU landing craft
* 2 AAV-7 assault amphibious vehicles 

* 2 AH-1W SeaCobra helicopters
* 2 CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters
* 2 CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
* 2 UH-1N Twin Huey helicopters
* 2 MUV-22A Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft
* Display stand with ship's name
* Decals include markings for ship, aircraft, landing craft

About the actual ship

The USS New York is a US Navy amphibious transport ship, launched on December 19, 2007, entering service on November 7, 2009. The ship was named to commemorate the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center, and incorporates 6.8 tonnes of steel recovered from the ruins.

Stealth design

USS New York is a San Antonio Class stealth ship, easily recognizable for her angled and faceted superstructure. The ship is used by the US Marines for amphibious warfare, and has three decks, a crew of 360, and can carry 700-800 combat-ready marines. The aft lower deck is floodable so landing craft can deploy at sea, and the stern flat-top allows helicopters to load and offload troops and equipment.

USS New York with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.

Summation

A kit to look forward to in November, and which should make an impressive addition to any 1:350 scale navy display. 

Combat ships by the flotilla-load here.

Tamiya 1:350 scale crew figures here. They're shown in action on a Tamiya kit below, and certainly bring the kit to life. 

The USS New York has a fact-packed website here.

Model pictures courtesy Revell

Side and plan views of the USS New York clearly show the twin helipad at the stern.

ORIGINAL SCI-FI INCOMING - 1:48 SCALE ORBSHIP, 1:35 SCALE TROOPERS ON RELEASE FROM INDUSTRIA MECHANIKA

SMN REPORT:

Industria Mechanika are making a name for original sci-fi and fantasy modelmaking, and here are some of the latest works being prepped for sale.

Big kit

In IM's words, “Traverse the cosmos in the OrbShip, designed by world-renowned concept designer Scott Robertson.” Made to 1:48 scale, the OrbShip builds up to a good size, and being in this standard scale, will sit nicely with existing aircraft and military models, especially those depicting ‘what-if’ scenarios. The kit contains:

* 46 resin components.

* One photo-etch brass detail-up sheet.

* Nine precision laser-cut windows.

* Precise scale pilot figure.

* Detailed instructions plus mini-poster.

Impressive build

When assembled, the OrbShip measures some 378 mm 12.5 in) long, and stands about 127-153 mm (5-6 in) high, depending on landing gear configuration. Width is 108 mm (4.25 in), and according to Industria Mechanika, “It’s impressively big when done!”

About Scott

46-year old Scott Robertson is a leading concept artist, having worked with Stephen Spielberg on the Hollywood movie Minority Report as well as with well-known brands such as BMW, Mattel, Nike, Rock Shox and many others. If you like this sort of work (and if not, why not?!) then take a trip to his website (address at bottom) to marvel at a galaxy of sketches and ideas. Marvellous stuff.

The Chomps are coming, courtesy Jake Parker

Here’s the work of illustrator and designer Jake Parker, with his original creation, Chompbot No. 5, backed up with kits of his Chomp Troopers and Chomp Pilots. These are coming soon, with pre-orders just started. There’s an introductory offer on these 50 mm (1:35 scale) sci-fi items if you’re quick off the mark - order Chompbot and both figure sets before September 28, and you get a useful $10.00 USD saving on the deal, a nice little taster bonus.

Plenty in the box

The Chompbot No. 5 kit comes with 59 resin parts, a decal sheet, clear canopy, two pilot figures, and a set of detailed colored instructions - there’s also a mini-poster on the reverse side.

Chomp Troopers storm in

The Chomp Troopers set has a quartet of figures, plus instructions. A very nice touch are the weapon straps and a blade for the Bayonette Scout on the supplied photo-etch metal fret. The Chomp Pilots set comes with two figures. 

Summation

In the words of the blurb, “These are perfect for making traditional armor and aircraft models infinitely more awesome!” Well, we won’t disagree with that, as the Steampunkish figures are conceptually delightful, and look even better in the plastic.

Visit Industria Mechanika here to see progress of the OrbShip, the Chomps, and much more besides.

Scott Robertson’s fascinating work is on show here.

Visit Jake Parker to view his beautifully-drawn illustrations, especially impressive if you enjoy graphic novels. To this reviewer’s eye, there’s something of the style of fantasy legend Jean ‘Mobius’ Giraud’s work there - and that’s a huge compliment.

More science-fiction kittery to drool over here, though these are of mostly well-known brands and Hollywood famousness. We’ll choose IM’s offerings for their originality, though there’s still plenty of room for any number of retakes on good old classics!

HUGE HELO - 1:32 SEA LYNX IN SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY MARKINGS

SMN REPORT:

More temptation for you helo fans, in the form of this eye candy from Revell, showing build-up pix of the 1:32 Sea Lynx Mk 88, and very handsome it looks too, especially in the optional anniversary markings shown here.

About the kit

Due for release in time for Christmas, the 1:32 scale Revell Sea Lynx measures some 415 mm (16.3 in) long, with a rotor diameter of 401 mm (15.8 in). There are plenty of parts to keep you busy, 265 in all, with optional weapons that include pairs of homing torpedoes and Sea Skua missiles. 

What’s inside

With these big-scale kits, Revell goes to great lengths to satisfy detail-freaks like us. Here’s a list of what to expect when you open up the box:

* New mould.
* Fine surface detail, recessed panel lines.
* Interior includes textured side walls.
* Cockpit with instrument panel, realistic seats.
* Sonar system with system racks.
* Nose section has correct radome and antennas.
* Pilots doors optionally open, sliding side doors.
* Detailed landing gear, rotor head.
* Weapon launch frames and pylons.
* Two torpedoes, two Sea Skua missiles.
* Machine gun on pintle mount.
* Decals include standard and 25th Anniversary markings.

The real thing

The Lynx is a British-designed multi-role helicopter that first flew way back in 1971. In the 40-plus years since, the helo has been improved hugely and currently serves with 14 countries around the world. The naval Sea Lynx featured in this Revell kit has been in service with MFG 3 (Naval Aviation Squadron) ‘Graf Zeppelin’ in Nordholz, Germany, since 1981 - and it is the 25th anniversary markings featuring in this kit that celebrated this in 2006.   

Weapons fit

Equipment and weapons are designed for anti-submarine warfare, with armament that includes torpedoes, Sea Skua missiles and a 12.7 mm machine gun. Search equipment includes a variable depth sonar. Currently, the German Sea Lynx is on anti-pirate ops around the Horn of Africa. 

Summation

Attractive model, attractive markings - what’s not to like. The large scale will make it fairly easy to motorize if that’s your thing, or with some figures and a frigate landing pad, it'll make an ace potential competition winner. Torpedoes and Sea Skuas (below) are neatly modelled and a diorama featuring ground crew arming-up for an anti-pirate mission would make a terrific of-the-moment display. 

Helicopter kits to look at here, and a reminder that Airfix makes an attractive, albeit slightly smaller, 1:48 scale Lynx.

Model pictures courtesy Revell

BIG BOAT FROM REVELL - 1:72 SCALE FLOWER-CLASS CORVETTE

SMN REPORT

For anyone who saw or built the original Matchbox kit, this Revell Platinum Edition must bring back memories. Even better, this 2012 version, due in November, will bring the Flower-class ship to new levels of detail.

About the kit

1:72 scale is big for any ship kit, let alone a 47-man naval vessel like a corvette, so it’s no surprise that the assembled model measures some 850 mm (33.5 in) long. But it’s the parts-count that is somewhat astonishing - at 1214 parts, it may take longer to put together than one of the real ships. The prototype took more than five months to build, but mass-production soon cut this to a new hull down the slipway every 23 days or so. Mind you, there’s a big difference between a shipyard and model bench, so you may be forgiven for taking somewhat longer to build the Revell kit. 

Platinum Edition details

Revell has gone to great lengths to make detail-freaks like us happy. Here’s a list of what to expect in the box:

* Photo-etch parts and metal tubes
* Self-adhesive wooden decks
* Metal anchor chain
* Detailed hull, superstructure, funnel, radar tower
* Detailed screw
* Moveable Lewis machine gun, mount and emplacements
* Full deck equipment and stowage lockers
* Searchlights, cable winches, moveable windlass
* Moveable 102 mm gun
* Lifeboats and rubber dinghies
* Depth charges and release systems
* Display stand
* Decals supplied for HMS Campanula and HMCS Snowberry

The real ships

Flower Class corvettes are famed for their service in the Battle of the North Atlantic, though they were used in all theatres of action in World War II. Combat improvements as the war progressed included radar, better anti-aircraft guns, plus deadlier anti-submarine weapons such as the Hedgehog system.

Widely used ships

These corvettes were widely used, 265 being built in all. Power was supplied by four-cylinder triple-expansion Scotch boilers, giving a top speed of some 16 knots (30 km/h), with a range of more than 6400 km (4000 miles).

The Agassiz

For a detailed look at the Flower class, and of the Canadian ship Agassiz in particular, try this excellent book by John McKay and John Harland. It’s packed with information and has five-star reviews on Amazon. As reviewer Pamela Webb puts it: “...if you are a modeller this book is invaluable. Essential if you are building from scratch and.....well yes.....essential if you are just 'improving' a kit....I got my copy to help detail the old Matchbox (now Revell) kit of the Snowberry.”

Summation

Looks like a terrific winter build for naval modelmakers. A highly worthwhile update to an excellent original kit. And don’t forget, this corvette would look excellent next to Italeri’s motor torpedo boats to the same scale. 

Naval models by the boatload here.

Italeri MTB kits here.

Model pictures courtesy Revell

INCOMING - 1:72 SHORT SUNDERLAND FLYING BOAT FROM... NO, NOT AIRFIX, BUT ITALERI

SMN REPORT

This could be the 1:72 scale kit sensation of the year, and it’s about to land in the model stores anytime now. The Short Sunderland, nicknamed Fliegendes Stachelschwein (Flying Porcupine) by enemy aircrews for its defensive firepower, has been somewhat shortchanged in the kit department until now.

Good looking

We have high hopes for this latest production from Italeri, as the detail looks terrific, and it comes complete with such niceties as internal cockpit fittings and metal-etch components.

Airfix Sunderland

The old-stager Airfix kit has been around for many years, and in its day represented a high-water mark for large-scale kits. Of course, it’s still in production, but we have to say that it’s more than time that someone came up with something to raise the bar.

Well done Italeri

We’re looking forward to having a close look when it arrives. Meantime, congrats to Italeri for bringing the big flying boat to market. 

Old timer still on sale (above) forms centrepiece for this excellent diorama from The Society of Scale Modellers, Malta. 

Looking ahead

Now for the 2013 wish-list. How about really making us happy with a Short Mayo composite - the fabled piggyback flying boat-seaplane combination from the late 1930s? Yes please - IWOOT!  

Short Mayo composite (above) in 1938. 

Massive range of Italeri kits to view here.

BACK TO FUTURES PAST WITH THE AMTRONIC - A 1:25 SCALE LEVITATING VEHICLE FROM THE 21st CENTURY

MAT IRVINE REPORTS:

The ‘futuristic’ title may now seem slightly dated, as we are after all now living in the 21st Century, but when this model - the 1:25 scale AMTronic futurecar - was first issued, there were still 30 years or so to go before we hit the then-fabled ‘Year 2000.’ 

What you get - card diorama in the background, three large parts, one small, the sets of bagged components, and manuals.

Future cars

The idea of show cars that depict ‘futuristic’ styles of what we might be driving a few years hence are common with full-size car companies, but the AMTronic was somewhat different in that it was a model company’s own vision. A product of, perhaps not too surprisingly, AMT, the AMTronic was intended to be a serious study for a futuristic mode of transport.

Box panels (above) reveal useful information, while new details are printed on the bottom (below).

Combo vehicle

The AMTronic’s design was a combination of two vehicles - an intercity transporter and a two-seater city car that could detach from the nose, for travel around town. Power was to be from fuel cells, augmented by solar energy, while the tyres were specially designed by Goodyear. As envisaged, the AMTronic could convert to ‘hover’ mode - actually, electromagnetic levitation - when on suitably-equipped highways, retracting its wheels like an aircraft. In this hover mode, a driver could relax with the passengers, while being propelled smoothly along at some 480 km/h (300mph). 

The new box (above and bottom) compared with an original from 1969. Apart from the old box having faded a bit, and the new one looking slightly ‘electronic’ (due to digital processes), they are identical.

Complex model

AMT designed an extremely complex kit to reflect this futuristic scenario, and for display, a colourful card diorama backdrop was provided. This was a feature found in many AMT kits of the period, in this case depicting a section of ‘levitation highway’, with a futuristic city in the background. The kit was first issued in 1969, the year of Apollo 11, but that was the only issue until 2000. And then, much to the chagrin of many modellers, the millennium reissue lacked the card diorama.

End panels of the boxes, old (left) and new. The only difference is at the bottom left-hand corner of each panel, where the kit numbers have changed. 

All included this time

But time has moved on, and now the kit has been reissued again, this time in all its original glory - you get all the plastic parts, and the card diorama as well. Around 100 light green parts make up the model, plus 20 or so in a mix of clear and red for the tail lights. Actually, in common with many recent AMT and MPC reissues, you get the clear parts twice, the second set here moulded in a transparent light green, the tint used for many kits from 1969. The AMTronic measures an impressive 270 mm (10.5 in) long when assembled and looks even better when displayed on the large three-part, full-colour card backing, mounted between the leva-highway guide rails. 

The explanatory leaflet is reproduced this time around. Note the different engines, which are included in the kit.

Bonus included

The model originally came with a bonus fold-out booklet that explained the novel features of the AMTronic. Many reissued kits omit this type of detail, but this one, besides accurately reproducing the original box and plans, also includes a faithful copy of this booklet.

Thanks to Round 2 Models for the review kit.

Plenty of AMT kits to look at here.

The ‘odd’ Millennium release, issued less diorama backing, in 2000.