Greg Cihlar's Fabulous Military Dioramas

Greg wanted to build Tamiya's M8 "Greyhound" using all of the VP update sets for it. so he needed a scene that would show-off all of those details in a natural configuration. Since a combat scene would require that the vehicle be closed-up for action, it was decided to depict an abandoned vehicle. For scale perspective, as well as augmenting the theme of an abandoned vehicle, three German figures were added to better display this piece. The base is a 9'' x 9'' piece of 5/8" plywood built-up with styrofoam and Cell-U-Clay. Small dried roots, rocks, and fine sand were applied to a coat of diluted white glue. After dry, the base was base-coated with brown-black and highlighted with light brown and tan, followed by dry brushing with Model Master armor sand. The M8 was built according to the Tamiya instructions and all five VP update sets. The assembled kit was broken down into two parts because the interior needed to be accessible for detailing and painting. The interior was base-coated with an off-white, then washed with raw umber and black oils. Dry-brushing was also done in oils. After the upper hull was glued down and the hatches masked, the entire vehicle was airbrushed with a mixture of Polly Scale olive drab and flat black. A cloud pattern was applied with the same color lightened with white in successive layers. Raw umber and black oils were used for a wash, followed by dry brushing with Model Master faded olive drab and white oils.

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Detailing Scale Model Aircraft.pdf

This is the most comprehensive book on detailing model aircraft ever written. It documents with step-by-step detail and hundreds of closeup photographs how to turn an average model into a detailed masterpiece. Dozens of simple techniques will teach you how to add detail to cockpits; scratchbuild interiors, seats, and seat frames; and add interior details such as piping, switches, and dials. You'll learn how to modify and improve kit-supplied parts; detail engines and intake and exhaust ports; how to add detail to wheel wells and landing gear; how to remove, modify, and reattach control surfaces, hatches, and access panels; and add rigging and control cables to biplanes. An entire chapter is devoted to tips and techniques on everything from seam removal to masking clear parts and applying and weathering decals. Whether your modeling tastes are propeller-driven aircraft from the First or Second World War or the sleek jet fighters of today, this book is for you!

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Airfix Modelling 2011

The Fairey Swordfish, the legendary 'Stringbag', was a Torpedo, Spotter, Reconnaissance biplane dive-bomber which went into service with the Fleet Air Arm pre-war in 1936. Initially, Swordfish operated from the large fleet carriers. Later Swordfish operated from escort carriers, and were very effective against U-boats. The nickname Stringbag indicated the versatility of the Swordfish, which could carry an unlikely combination of loads, but also referred to its jungle of bracing wires, which belonged to a past age. The Swordfish remained operational until the end of the war, gaining the distinction of being the last biplane to see active service.

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Fly RC 10/2010

For many RC enthusiasts, myself included, this diverse hobby is as least as much about the time we share with others as it is about building and flying model aircraft. I've mused time and again that our models are often just an excuse to get together with friends at the local field for a few hours, or for a long weekend out of town at a larger event. As the years add up we inevitably meet unique individuals that influence our own paths within the hobby as we will also come to mentor others. The Southeast Electric Flight Festival (SEFF) is perfect example of where lifelong friendships can be forged. I was there for the first time this year and was most impressed by its sense of community. With almost 400 registered pilots and many non-fliers as well, it was undeniably a large RC gathering, yet it seemed more like a busy weekend at a local club field. I felt welcome to stop at every tent, introduce myself and discuss about anything that came to mind.

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