1:24 SCALE RENAULT TN6 AUTOBUS KIT FROM HELLER

Bus modellers should be pleased to see this latest addition to the French Heller line. It’s a classic 1930s-era single-decker, a Renault design that gave reliable service for decades.


The Renault TN series buses came into service in the early 1930s, and the TN6 C2 modelled by Heller was probably the most popular version. The improvement of rubber technology was key to vehicles like this, with new-design pneumatic tyres allowing heavy loads and a comfortable ride, making it possible for a 50-seater bus to travel at fairly high speeds.

Display option
Heller's mould-makers have captured the ugly-but-nice appearance of the TN6 very well, especially the snout-like engine housing. There is plenty of crisp detail in the engine itself, and in the chassis underneath too, so a mirror display base could make sense when the kit is assembled and painted. Originally released as far back as 1982, the new-issue kit remains competitive in 2013.

Fast routes
Despite its somewhat porcine looks, a petrol-engined TN6 could manage nearly 55km/h (35mph) on reasonably flat roads, allowing the development of fast and smooth bus services to link many towns and villages in rural France. Diesel versions were slower, but were fine in cities and on shorter routes.

Service entry
The first 10.3-tonne TN6A went into service in 1932, later models of the series giving reliable service until the late 1960s. And here we are in the 21st century, more than 80 years later, with Heller saluting this French classic with a fine model.

Green Heller, red Revell
The Heller Autobus kit should be on every public transport fans must-have list, not least because it provides a fascinating comparison with the excellent ‘big red’ 1:24 scale Revell London double-decker. The Renault TN6 is a decent model in its own right - and a biggish one too - measuring some 396mm (15.6in) long when assembled.

Clear instructions
Heller’s instruction manual is neatly produced, leaving little to chance (especially for the novice) with extremely clear illustrations, and a full-colour four-view with marking details. The model is of course, absolutely begging for some 1:24 scale figures to bring it to life - a Gitane-smoking driver perhaps, matched by some black-clad elderly ladies, and possibly even an onion-seller standing on the rear platform!

Summation
Unusual subject from Heller, and here’s hoping the French company will be offering many more re-releases and - even better - new-tool kits in the years to come.

Photographs of the preserved classic 'Number 54' 1932 Renault Autobus TN6A2 courtesy Yves-Laurent Allaert.

London buses at SMN here.

The Heller TN6 Autobus is expected shortly, meantime there are plenty of other interesting Heller kits here.

SMALL SCALE APOLLO KITS - AND A CHANGE OF COUNTRIES

MAT IRVINE WEEKENDER:

Here’s an intriguing duo of kits from Revell-Germany, a 1:100 scale Apollo pair, one titled: “Apollo: Command Module”, the other a same-scale “Apollo: Lunar Module Eagle.” There’s an intriguing aspect to this.

Two eras of Heller box style - note the LM (top) features the original-style ‘Heller Cadet’ logo.

Small scale space kits

Anyone who is familiar with Revell space kits knows that Revell has made small-scale versions of these subjects since the 1960s. But you may notice that the scale of these two kits is listed as 1:100, whereas the original Revell kits were released in 1:96 scale. Note also that the Command Module kit has the cylindrical Service Module included - strictly speaking, the kit should be titled “Command and Service Module (CSM).

1:100 scale CSM (left). And (right) the 1:96 scale Revell version, showing that while parts are similar, they are laid out in different positions on the runners. Note the moonscape base.

Marketing mystery

As for the 1:100 scale, it could be a marketing convenience, as some kits have ‘changed scales’ in the past. For example, a number of Japanese aircraft kits, originally listed as 1:50 scale, have found themselves reissued in the slightly different, but more centre-of-the-market, 1:48 scale. But here 1:100 scale is correct, as the kits are reboxed Heller of France originals. Exactly why R-G has chosen to do this, instead of the reissuing the original 1:96 scale Revell version, is something of a mystery, except that you do have two kits that can be bought separately. The original 1:96 scale Revell kit has CSM/LM parts mixed between runners, so maybe that’s also a reason. Another may be that, although the 1:100 CSM is an near-clone of the 1:96 Revell, the 1:100 Heller Lunar Module (LM) is actually better. 

Sans ‘Cadet’ this time, this is the only Heller issue that combined both CSM and LM kits. This was much in the style of Revell’s own version, even including a similar moonscape base, with a support arm for the CSM.

Inspiration

It’s pretty safe to assume that the Heller kits were originally inspired by the Revell, as this was first issued in 1969, whereas the first Heller release was the following year in the ‘Cadet’ series, Heller’s generic name for its smaller kits, especially those produced in ‘fit the box’ scales.

Take care with markings

As now issued, the two kits are reasonably simple, the CSM having just 18 parts. The Service Module is a Block I though, which makes it incorrect for manned flights. An attempt to correct this has been done with the paint scheme, which indicates painting correct Block II colours ‘over’ the Block I pattern. The box-art is correct for the Block II if you need reference. The decals hedge their bets, in that UNITED STATES is included for both the Command and Service Modules, whereas the Block II carried it only on the SM. You also need to remove two of the rings around the SM engine bell - three are moulded, whereas the real thing had only one. Again, the box-art is helpful, and indicates the correct one to keep. 

Unique in that it is the only kit ever issued as an Apollo 13 "Houston... we have a problem", this is the Lodela reissue of Heller's combo kit. Lodela is Mexico’s main kit producer, issuing many kits from brands such as Airfix, Heller, and especially Revell, under its own name.

Lunar Module with more parts

The parts breakdown for the CSM differs only slightly from the Revell version, but the LM is more complex, with 51 components. This brings greater detail, especially to the ‘porch’ - the platform at the top of the ladder - and to the steering-quad nozzles, which are individual parts, 16 in all. A nod is made to the correct colour scheme, though it is somewhat compromised. For example, the LM’s Descent Stage is listed as ‘gold’, though there should be several large black areas as well. Again, the box-art shows a reasonably accurate representation.

Summation

The last Moon landing, Apollo 17 in December, 1972, means that we have until the end of 2012 before we finish Apollo’s 40th Anniversary. Modellers haven’t done too badly at all, with Airfix reissues, Revell reissues, and brand-new releases from Dragon. And these two small-scale kits are ideal if you have only a small amount of display space.

Thanks to Revell-Germany for the review kits. 

Visit a galaxy of space kits here.

EXHIBITION OF BOX-ART FROM THE FRENCH HELLER KIT COMPANY

SMN report:

If you have a trip to Paris, France, planned anytime until January 3, 2012, then make sure you go to Gallerie 64bis, not far from that famous Parisian icon, the Eiffel Tower.

Original art on display

Gallerie 64bis is showing original art through the whole history of the French Heller kit company, from 1957 through to the present. The exhibition brings together some 60 original works by artists such as Michel Bez, Francis Bergèse, and Daniel Bechennec. These are little-known names outside their native country perhaps, but their skills are well worth a closer look - at the show if you can, or via the internet if you can’t. Either way, it’s good to see paintings free of the necessary commercial surroundings of titles and descriptive texts on the boxes.

Wide range of kits

As you can see here, the range is as wide as that of the kit company - the battle-cruiser Scharnhorst, aircraft-carrier Charles de Gaulle are just two ships, while aircraft range from the Airbus A380 and Caravelle twin-jet to Concorde and Super Constellation.

Model-fan workshop

The Gallerie 64bis exhibition also feeds historical interest, with details of the Heller story, and there’s also a workshop running on Wednesdays and Sundays. Here fans young and old with an hour or so to spend can build an A380, then take it away to keep. Gallery 64bis aims for a wide-ranging visitor demographic. In the gallery's words: “An exhibition for everyone, from 7 to 77 years.”

Heller early models

1957: Heller founded.

1958: First models launched with the 1:100 scale Caravelle jetliner, 1:40 scale Fouga Magister trainer, and 1:50 scale SO 9050 Trident research plane.

1959: Etendard IV jet released with working features such as retractable landing gear and opening cockpit canopies.

1960: Heller’s first exports to Europe and the US. The SPAD VII launches the ‘Heller Gallery’ historic aircraft series.

Heller today

A word about Heller, which now employs 30 people, with 98 percent of production carried out in the factory at Trun, France. The brand exports to some 50 countries around the world, and has a current range of more than 200 kits - aircraft, helicopters, ships, trucks, automobiles, civil and military - it’s a wide field, and one that features some real rarities for those who like exotic models. Heller has certainly had its share of business turbulence, but it’s still the brand that remains ‘the’ French word for scale models.

French author

Thanks to French model enthusiast JC Carbonel for the heads-up on the show. He has written several excellent books - including English translations - which you can see on Amazon here.

Visit Gallerie 64bis here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIR FRANCE, 78 YEARS OLD TODAY

SMN report:

Air France is one of the world’s grand old airlines, with a history going back to 1933, when it was formed from the merger of five smaller French airlines. It has added two more French airlines since then, and is now merged with the Dutch airline KLM. The huge company currently flies a mixture of more than 250 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Long history

For modelmakers, there is all that history to draw on, with splendid aircraft like the Lockheed Constellation and the ill-fated Concorde to name just two. Another favourite here at SMN is the Vickers Viscount, (above) a smooth and quiet turboprop airliner that was highly successful worldwide from the 1950s to the 1980s. At least one airworthy commercial Viscount remains, which means that the aircraft has been in continuous service since its first flight in 1948 - an amazing 63-year record.

Airbus Retrojet

If you prefer a modern jet, then the Airbus A320 ‘retrojet’ (above) is the one for you. It was painted up in that attractive heritage ‘Pegasus’ scheme in November 2008, to celebrate the airline’s diamond anniversary, with an intention to return the aircraft to current markings in 2010, though we are told that it is still flying unchanged. Nice!

Which model to choose

Choosing which of the many, many Air France aircraft to model is a bit of an issue - there’s so much choice! So we’ve picked a quartet here, easily sourced either from model stores or for the rare ones, a trawl of eBay is the best place to look.

Vickers Viscount from Hobby Master

For model collectors, we’ve chosen two, the 1:200 scale Hobby Master Viscount (above) and the 1:144 scale DC-3. The Viscount is all-metal except for props, horizontal stabilizers and landing gear. The Air France markings are neatly applied (though the tail stripe looks a bit angular) and perhaps the wing-fuselage joint looks a little on the heavy side. Windows are not glazed, but the airliner looks very convincing despite this. A downer is that HM has missed the chance to show a unique Viscount feature, the triple-pane flight deck side windows - a case perhaps, for a fine camel-hair brush to go into action.

DC-3 from Corgi

The DC-3 (above) is a typical Aviation Archive release from Corgi, arriving in a sturdy box with all parts separately cocooned in a blow-moulded plastic inner tray. It’s a reminder of just how hefty these metal models are, compared with even a big plastic kit, and we reckon that feeling of solidity is a big draw for the whole diecast aircraft genre. Only downside (and it’s only a matter of taste) is the baby-blue that Corgi chooses for its airliner windows.

Hasegawa A320 twinjet

A 1:200 release from Hasegawa, the model rewards a careful build, especially when it comes to applying the very delicate decals. Overall though, if you put in the effort - and pay great attention to dihedral angles - this will result in a model that looks superior in every way to even the best diecast equivalents. The landing gear in particular looks streets ahead of any diecast equivalent we know.

Heller A380

This is BIG kit of a BIG airliner, and to Heller’s near-unique 1:125 scale, it makes an impressive model indeed. 241 components are packed into the box, and if 1:125 is on the large side, then Heller also makes a smaller 1:800 version, though not in Air France markings. 

Closer look at Heller

Heller has a nifty website here, where you can download the current catalogue. There are some mouthwateringly unusual items, such as a 1:72 Saab J-21 pusher-prop fighter, French warships galore, a 1:24 Jules Verne space truck, even a detailed model of the Eiffel Tower.

Hobby Master Viscount here.

Corgi DC-3 at Amazon here.

Hasegawa A320 on ebay here.

Heller A380 here.

REVELL REVEALS NEWCOMERS FOR UPCOMING NUREMBERG TOY FAIR

David Jefferis reports
All the big toy and model manufacturers are gearing up for the mega-huge International Nuremberg Toy Fair, held on February 4-9 this year. It’s an apposite venue, as the city has been famed for its handmade toys for centuries.

In 2010, Revell will be exhibiting a Leonardo da Vinci themed range: “...We will present selected technical constructions of the brilliant artist and inventor as elaborately designed functional models of wood”. Sounds interesting to SMN, but plastic kits haven’t been forgotten either: “...the Heinkel He 111P and the BAe Hawk ‘Red Arrows’ are extraordinary model kits”, and ...”With the Tirpitz and the Bismarck we will launch two of the best known German battleships in 1/700 scale. Even as a model the M/S Color Fantasy, one of the biggest cruise liners with car deck, is considerably impressive. With two models each of the racing teams Audi and Mercedes we will get in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) in 2010. Our range of street cars varies from the legendary VW Westfalia Camper to the glamorous Ferrari Italia.”

Keep ’em rolling Revell - it sounds like an interesting year to come. And right now, the 1:144 A380 has been released in Lufthansa markings, so that’s a nice one for modern airliner fans. The A380 is a biggie all right - even at this scale the 163-component model scales out with a wingspan of 555 mm (21.85 in).

Talking of the A380, the SMN crew is aiming for a trip around the main assembly plant near Toulouse, France, in a few months time - when we return, there’ll be a full report, plus lots of pix for super-detail fanatics.

There’s a selection of A380 kits available here.

And the bigger 1:125 scale Heller version here.

STILL SUPERB - THE MONOGRAM ULTIMATES

Palm-of-the-hand sized 1:43 is the most popular scale worldwide for diecast vehicles, and quite right too - for both display and storage, it’s ideal. Not too big, not too small, and with enough real estate for a good manufacturer to pack in the detail that’ll please most of us.

In the kit world it’s a different matter though, with the bigger 1:24/25/32 scales being far more popular than 1:43. There are some exceptions, including a selection offered by the French Heller company, but while these are OK enough, they're not the absolute state of the art for detail and presentation.

The prize for 1:43 detail really belongs to Monogram’s short-lived ‘Ultimates’ kits, produced in 1990-91. There were just two kits in the ‘range’, a Chevrolet Corvette and an AC Cobra. Nearly two decades on, an Ultimates kit still looks good, presented in a biggish box containing a fine combination of plastic, rubber, and photo-etched metal components, plus decal sheet. The shiny bits are neatly chromed, and the one-piece body free of flash or distortion, just as it should be. The box-top shows the kit’s quality off well - the photo is about twice life-size, yet looks very good indeed.

It’s a pity production lasted for such a short time, and that the range never expanded past these two desirable sports cars. Still, if you’d like to try one or both, Monogram Ultimates appear on eBay from time to time, and are not expensive. It could be worthwhile getting two of each - one to build, one to lay down for the future. We came up with these items here.

Here are some Heller kits to various scales, including a Lotus F1 racer to 1:43 scale here.

The pictures above show:
1 Boxes for both Ultimates kits.
2 Parts for the AC Cobra.
3 Assembled Ultimates Chevy Corvette.
4 A pair of Monogram Corvettes, to 1:43 and 1:8 scale.

Assembled Corvettes supplied by Mat Irvine.