FineScale Modeler 11 1998

The MiG-21 has been produced in greater numbers than any other jet fighter - more than 10,000 - and its unlikely that mark will ever be eclipsed. It is also one of the most widely used fighters ever, and while no longer state-of-the-art, Fishbeds will serve with several air forces well into the 21st century. The Academy release can represent an early or late version of the MiG-21PF. The parts feature finely engraved panel lines and good detail. Several parts aren't used in this kit, indicating common molding sprues and parts for future editions. Decals in this kit provide markings tor Chinese, Egyptian, North Vietnamese, and Sonet machines. I chose the Egyptian aircraft because of its attractive camouflage scheme. Assembly following the 10-page instructions is straightforward. The cockpit and ejection-seat detailing is adequate tor the scale. Instead of the recommended "blue gray" for the interior, I used Testors new Model Master II USSR interior blue-green, then painted the seat gray and black. Add weight to the nose cone, then paint it dark green before inserting it into the fuselage.

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FineScale Modeler 12 1998

The straight-winged Republic F-84G Thunderjet became the USAF's premier fighter bomber during the Korean War. When more modern types replaced it in USAF service, Thunderjets flew with the air forces of several NATO countries, as well as China and Thailand. Tamiya's T-jet kit features beautifully recessed panel lines and top-notch surface details. A ball bearing is provided as a nose weight. The cockpit has a detailed seat and side consoles, and the instrument panel has raised detail as well as decal gauges. It you choose not to install the pilot figure, a decal is provided for the seat harness, and a boarding ladder is included, too. Options include exposing the detailed machine-gun bay, dropping the flaps, deploying the speed brake, and installing alternate wing tips should you decide not to use the tip tanks. Underwing stores include a pair of 500-pound bombs or another set of fuel tanks. Rocket-Assist Take Off (RATO) bottles (a common accessory for heavily laden Thunderjets) are also included. Comprehensive decals for two colorful machines arc provided. They are thick but perfectly printed. Fit is exceptional, and you really notice how well it goes together at the wing/fuselage and wing/tip tank joints. The trailing edges of the wings and tail planes are sharp. The only assembly problem was locating the cockpit bulkhead just aft of the gun bay. Mine might be too low, as there is a gap around the upper sides and top where it should meet the fuselage. Tamiya lists its own paint numbers and names, but I substituted Floquil old silver for the overall paint scheme and painted details with Model Master enamels. The decals responded well to Solvaset. Their thickness helps prevent tears when positioning the large pieces. I was surprised at how well the clear film blended with the silver finish. I liked the sectioned USAF decal that fits on the separate landing-gear doors.

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Model Magazine International 08 2005

The upper hull is a lovely moulding, featuring crisp raised fittings and subtle recessed lines where panels meet. A non-slip texture is present, and although perhaps a little too restrained (the real stuff is very thick and rough), it looks good and paints up nicely. I fitted the upper hull panel, bedded it in with liquid cement and fell quite pleased with myself until I realised I had forgotten to fit the rear light unit shown in Stage Five. These are installed from the inside and their apertures can not be reached with the hull top in place, so until I devise a way of fitting them from the outside, my Leclerc will remain rear light-less. Clever me. Armed with my newly acquired references. I decided, or rather was compelled to add some extra detailing. I seem unable to build a model with adding at least a few additional items as I am rarely happy with the standard parts (even Tamiya's) - I suppose it's a modeller's hang-up! Tamiya have done a superb job with this kit and have nailed the look of the vehicle perfectly, but of course there always have to be a few small detail compromises, and it was these that I chose to address. By using my favourite method of creating small rivets and bolt heads (described in the accompanying photographic sequence), I went about adding various extra details. bearing in mind that I was building from a test shot, and that these may be added by Tamiya later in the process.

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FineScale Modeler 01 1999

Lockheed's graceful Constellation shows up on just about everyone's favorite airplane list. With input from TWA's Howard Hughes, Lockheed designed the Constellation in the early days of World War II. A handful were placed in service as military transports, but the Connie came into its own after the war, quickly becoming the reigning queen of international air routes. A longer fuselage, radar, and tip tanks distinguished the Model 1049G, or Super Constellation. Like all the large propliners, the Constellation eventually fell victim to the jet age. Minicraft has answered the pleas of modelers everywhere: an injection-molded Connie in "airliner" scale, 1/144. Once I got past gazing at the graceful fuselage shape, I noticed the lack of surface detail. The only engraved lines were for control surfaces and the doors. Small parts were marred by flash. Tip tanks and a replacement short nose are optional, but the decals tor TWA and Iberia are tor long-nose, tip-tanked versions. Minicrafts eight-step instructions arc clear and include a brief history, markings diagrams, and parts map. The only clear part is tor the windscreen; cabin windows are supplied as decals.

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Model Magazine International 12 2005

In my opinion this year is taking shape as a revival time of 1:48 scale armour modelling, thanks mainly to Tamiya who have released many exciting new kits. Let's have a look at one of the very first vehicle releases in this scale, the Kettenkrad. This nice little model appeared some time ago as a supplement to the 1:48 Me262 and Do335 aircraft kits. The kit of this famous 'tracked motorcycle' has now been issued as a standalone model, along with a trailer and Goliath remote controlled tracked bomb. One of the aftermarket companies that responded quickly on new market demand was the Czech producer Hauler. So far they have released photo-etched sets for all of the Tamiya 1:48 scale vehicle kits and some useful accessories sets too, for instance tools cases, buckets, anti-tank obstacles, US and German tools, etc., plus some sets of fire extinguishers in resin and brass. Having purchased the Hauler set and the Eduard set too, I could commence the build. Actually, it was very simple affair. The kit itself is very precisely moulded and easy to tackle, so I focused my attention mainly to adding more details. The only surgery was separation of the front wheel from its mud-guard, not beyond any 'average' modeller's skill. I also added some details in the driver's compartment as it looked quite empty.

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