MORE MODELS ON DISPLAY

SMN REPORT:

Here’s the second set of scale model pix, courtesy Revell-Germany, the Mercedes-Benz set (above) due for release in August. And also a reminder that RG’s Scale 2012 modelbuilding competition is open for entries until August 15.
 

SpaceShipTwo

The one we’re really looking forward to later this year (November release) is the 1:144 scale SpaceShipTwo with the carrier plane WhiteKnightTwo. The kit is reportedly being developed with Hasegawa, and looks as weird in prototype model form as it does in reality.

Scale astronauts please

It would be rather good if a set of 1:144 scale astronauts came with it, though figures to this scale are a rarity. A modicum of interior detail would be desirable too, especially as there are so many portholes to peer into. Whatever, it’ll be a decent-sized model on display, the mother ship’s wingspan being some 297 mm (11.7 in).

More good stuff

Here’s a roundup of more Revell stuff, and note the winners. The ‘big red’ London bus, Junkers Ju 88, Aida cruise ship, and Airbus A400M have all gained respected awards. 

Retro eco-car

Funnily enough, just as interesting to us is Revell’s 1:18 scale model of the Lloyd Alexander, an economy car that was produced in Germany from 1957-61. It had a two-cylinder 600 cc engine, which gave a top speed of just 100 km/h (61 mph), the company proudly announcing that this could be reached in one minute from a standing start. Still, it was more of a ‘car’ than the Heinkel and Messerschmitt three-wheelers, produced around the same period. 

Details of Revell Scale 2012 here.

Revell kits here.

And talking of spaceships...

The Revell Star Trek pair are up for awards too, though Trek fans are divided as to the absolute accuracy of either spacecraft. As occasional fans of 'classic' Trek (though big junkies for the most recent movie) both the Enterprise and Klingon ships look pretty good to us.

SPACESHIPTWO ROCKETS IN FROM FANTASTIC PLASTIC

To the world's spacewatchers, progress on Virgin Galactic’s sub-orbital space program has been little short of phenomenal, and test flights of the spacecraft-carrierplane pair are due to begin soon, with passenger flights planned around 2011.

Becoming a sub-orbital astronaut won’t be cheap, but should provide the thrill of a lifetime for anyone (like this reviewer) who has spaceflight in their blood. Tickets to ride are currently priced at $200,000 USD (£122,000 GBP), with deposits starting at 10 percent. Around 250 would-be astronauts have already plonked down their moolah.

The latest offering from Fantastic Plastic (FP) is considerably cheaper - $75 USD (£46 GBP) - but should provide the space model fan with an impressive display piece. Even at 1:144 scale, the 29-piece resin kit spans more than 290 mm (11.5 in). It’s worth pointing out that you are on your own with markings on this one - trademark issues have meant that FP have not been able to provide Virgin Galactic logos.

Even so, the kit looks fascinating, and we’re looking forward to adding one to the SMN collection.

The pictures above show, top to bottom:
1 SpaceShipTwo separating from the VMS Eve carrier plane.
2 The parts for Fantastic Plastic’s kit.
3 View of the kit in built-up form.

Visit Fantastic Plastic here.

Visit Virgin Galactic here.

VIRGIN SPACESHIPTWO ROCKET MOTOR TEST-FIRING

Virgin Galactic spaceline’s ambitions took another small step with the test firing of SpaceShipTwo’s hybrid rocket motor yesterday (top picture). Once cleared for flight the SS2 will be carried up to 15 km (9.3 miles) by a White Knight 2 mother plane, then will be released to fly up to the edge of space, carrying a single pilot and some very excited passengers, ready to win their astronaut’s wings.

SpaceShipTwo is a bigger version of the SpaceShipOne that won the Ansari X-Prize for commercial spaceflight in 2004. For model builders, the Estes 1:20 scale offering is a fun way to fly rockets, but is also good enough to detail up for a reasonable display model. The odd scale marks it down, though.

As for SpaceShipTwo, Fantastic Plastic is working on a 1:144 scale White Knight 2 carrier plane with SS2 rocket combo that should be a showstopper when it arrives - as planned, this will be in September. The pictures (bottom two) show the amazing design in mid-air (thanks Virgin) and work in progress on the kit. Looks good!

You can buy the Estes SpaceShipOne from Amazon here, and enjoy the amazing range of rare and weird flying machines at Fantastic Plastic here.


Picture of rocket firing by Mark Greenberg