FineScale Modeler 05 2002

Which model manufacturer makes the best Tiger-based plastic kit in 1/35 scale? Which model is the easiest build? Which gives the most for the modelers dollar? I'll try to answer these questions and a few more. (Editor's note: For reasons of space, it was not possible to list every Tiger tank kit that has been offered.) Prior to 1990, when Tamiya issued a new version of a late Tiger I as kit No. 35146, there were a lot of Tiger variants but none of any reasonable quality. They suffered from molded-on tools, one-sided vinyl tracks, compromises to accommodate motorization, poor to OK fit, and poor hull and turret shapes. The vehicles looked more like toys than scale models. With the many aftermarket parts and reference sources available these days, accurate models have become easier - and a lot more tun - to build. While a really thrifty modeler can make a decent model out of the older kits, it takes a lot of time and effort. 1 usually just start with a newer kit.

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Model Magazine International 04 2008

The cockpit on the Studio 27 Honda consists of a cast resin seat which goes into the body underneath. The dashboard is taken care of by a cast white metal main panel and steering wheel. The seat simply needed painting black and the seat belts finishing and attaching (see separate panel) while dash panel needed painting and carbon decaling along with the steering wheel and detail picked out. Now this is where my only small criticism of this kit comes out. The steering wheel in inaccurate in shape for a start but I had big fears that the cast white metal part would just not look detailed enough and be difficult to finish. After pondering various courses of action including trying to remake the steering wheel, I elected to use the kit part and try and add my own touches. Therefore the steering wheel was painted, carbon decaled and detail picked out. When this was done I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the result!

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Model Magazine International 11 2007

Our example of this all new kit is a test shot and overall is very good. The level of moulded surface detail is excellent and although I hate to say it, it's far superior to the Tamiya kit. That said, that modal is over thirty years old now. Revell's hull is split in two vertically, with the main deck fitting in place on top -all standard stuff, but Revell have even added detail here on the lower hull in the form of the induction vents and strakes etc., plus in-scale stabilizers. Revell have left the prop shafts as separate sub-assemblies to allow for a better level of detail. Moving on. and the main deck is a one-piece moulding that has a considerable level of surface detail including the deck hatches, lockers, ship's boat davits and the main and secondary gun barbettes. The breakwater assemblies are separate to allow a more accurate represent all of these parts. The anchor chains are pre-shaped individual parts and look the excellent. The superstructure is built up into separate sub assemblies whose parts show excellent levels of detail moulded into them. The main aircraft hangar door can be built either open or closed, and the aircraft even has a rudimentary cockpit, plus the option to have the Wings either folded or swept forward for flight.

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FineScale Modeler 02 2005

I'm impressed. Producing a 1/350 scale kit of one of the largest warships ever built must be a daunting task. Just obtaining the research to set up patterns for the parts of one of the United States' most significant weapons would have been difficult. Having built the Tamiya USS Enterprise (CVN-65) when it was first issued 20 years ago (it can't be!), I was anxious to see how Trumpeter's Nimitz would compare. The most interesting comparison is the number of parts and the way certain items are broken down for molding. Trumpeter has more and better detail, but many more parts (1,013 compared with 576 in Tamiya's Enterprise). Trumpeter has cut few corners. For example, on top of one of the cruciform yards on the island's main mast, are four small domed antennas. To the casual observer, these all look alike, but each one is molded to different sizes and shapes.

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Model Magazine International 05-06 2007 (france)

Version Pathfinder (Eclaireur) du Lightning, le P-38J Drop Snoot accueillait deux membres d'équipage, le pilote et un observateur/bombardier logé dans la pointe avant derrière une bulle vitrée. A la fin de la guerre, les P-38 avaient été relégués à l'attaque au sol et chaque unité disposait de Drop Snoot équipés d'un viseur Norden. Lorsque le Drop Snoot larguait ses bombes, les P-38 standard en faisaient de même. Dragon a décliné son P-38J au 1/72 en Drop Snoot en remplaçant la pointe avant par la bulle transparente. Malheureusement, le fuselage n'est pas modifié et les hublots latéraux du poste avant sont absents. D'ailleurs, ces derniers figurent bien sur l'illustration de la boîte... Pas de bombes non plus, pourtant caractéristiques de cette version. Pour le reste, c'est toujours le meilleur P-38 au 1/72 qui est présent dans la boîte, les pièces de la version chasseur étant toujours présentes. Fin, bien gravé et détaillé, il bénéficie en plus d'une planche de photo-découpe avec les sangles du siège. Donc, même si la version Drop Snoot ne vous inspire pas, vous pourrez toujours acquérir ce kit et l'habiller en utilisant une planche de decals du commerce. Ce n'est pas le choix qui manque!

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FineScale Modeler 07 2007

Modeling and history go together. Almost even' model out there is of a historical object. Whether it is a World War II Spitfire, a 1957 Chevy, or an Iraq War Bradley, modelers endeavor to reproduce the thing as it appeared at a particular time and place. Every modeler I've met is a history buff. Most can recite details of the Battle of the Bulge or the structure of Roman legions. Modelers' reading lists include historical biographies and narratives. Then there's personal history. How many of us have chosen to build a model because of a personal connection with the prototype? Active duty soldiers, sailors, and airmen build tanks, ships, or planes they served on or in. Modelers build cars they've owned. Me? I want to build models of the airliners I've flown on, or those I saw during trips to Eagle Farm Airport with my dad. Beyond that is family history. I'm referring to the way in which many of us were first introduced to the hobby - by a family member, often a father or older brother. Whenever I sit down at my workbench, I get a strong sense of family connection.

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