Monday, January 28, 2013

Flying Scale Modeller 06/2011


It is always very pleasing to report on a new traditional scale kit. Even more so, when it's a Hawker Typhoon, and a new UK product. Pukka scale kits are few and far between, so a little about its genesis is instructive. A short while ago, Chris Willis was casting about for a new project. After much research, he decided on a Hawker Typhoon. The problem was that he could find no kits or plans at his target size of 100 inch span. So, he set pen to paper, and drew up his own 106 inch version. He knew that the tail would have to be light, so he kept that in mind. He also knew he wanted to employ foam wings and a fairly easy construction. Consequently, he spent a good bit of time at the drawing board, and ended up with a design he liked. He then phoned his friend Ken Bones, to discuss the progress so far. The following night, Ken phoned back and said he fancied one of those new Tiffys too!

Scale Modeling Tips and Techniques


Having modeling trouble? Looking for a better or easier way to build? Perhaps you have something special in mind, but you're not sure how to get the effect you're after. Here's the answer! SCALE MODELING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES is the best of "Tips and Techniques," a regular feature of FINESCALE MODELER Magazine. The column relies on FSM's readers to share new, innovative, and sometimes unorthodox modeling methods. We've taken 10 years of "Tips" and put them between these covers to give you an easy-to-use reference. The handy hints are illustrated with more than 150 drawings and photos. The next time a modeling problem has you stumped, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and reach for this book. Whether you are a novice or a Michelangelo, there is something here for you - something that will make you shake your head and say, "Why didn't I think of that!"

Panther


Dear reader, You hold in your hands the result of a modelling adventure that started some two years ago when group of modellers set out to model the Panther Ausf.G tank. Initially this was a group build where the modellers shared the process of the build and their knowledge of the Panther tank. The models background were to be thoroughly researched to determine the unit, location, production date etc. Initially I was not involved in this group but when I heard about it I realised the models could be used to make an interesting book. After discussions with Mirko Bayerl and Roddy MacDougall as well as the modellers involved in the group build, I decided to go ahead with this project and turn their work into a book. I also decided that I wanted to include models of the Panther Ausf. A and Ausf. D, fortunately it did not take me too long to round up some further crew members for the book who were eager to participate.

Modelling Armoured Vehicles


This book has been written primarily for modellers of a skill level of beginner to intermediate, and demonstrates techniques that can take their AFV modelling projects to a higher level of accuracy, detail and appeal. Unlike other titles in the Osprey Modelling Series, this book focuses on techniques rather than how to model specific vehicles. It describes how to conduct preliminary project research and provides tips on basic and advanced levels of construction. Painting, marking and weathering a model are demonstrated, along with various ideas for presenting a finished model with figures in a vignette or diorama. All of the work in the book has been done in 1/35 scale, but the methods demonstrated would apply to models of any scale. Five contributors have combined their efforts to present the reader with varied approaches to modelling. The projects chosen and the methods demonstrated cover a wide range of subject matter and skills. Gary Edmundson shows basic model construction and also adds a few after-market parts to a Tamiya Char B1 bis, which is presented along with a second model in a diorama. France produced 369 Char B1 bis tanks between April 1937 and June 1940. Developed in the 1920s, the tank resembled World War I tanks, with track runs that went around the entire outside of the hull and the running gear protected by the side armour plate.