Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
66
JUNE/JULY 2016 6.50 UK $15.99
www.mengafvmodeller.com
FINN-TASTIC
Antti Lappalainens incredible Finnish Brewster Buffalo
CONTENTS
2
F-106
Mengs state-of-the-art Dart test driven by Franois-Regis Binder.
12
20
34
42
48
Air Born
New releases.
58
Wooden Wonder
Tamiyas latest super-kit modelled by Albert Tureczek.
Meng AIR Modeller welcomes contributions from interested parties, but cannot accept any
responsibility for unsolicited material.
The contents of this publication including all articles, drawings and photographs originated by AFV
Modeller ltd become the publishers copyright under copyright law. Reproduction in any form
requires the written consent of the publisher. Whilst every care is taken to avoid mistakes AFV
ISSN 2059-5964
State-of-the-art dart
control details.
requirements.
me...)
us.
pod.
The clear parts fit very well, but there are two
moulding lines on the canopy that require removing.
After careful masking the glazing was fitted along
with the weapons and fuel tanks.
A simple scene was created with the kits
photoetched access ladder and weapons trolley
adding a much needed splash of colour to the
monotone grey-on-grey.
SHORT STIRLING
The Wings
At this point of construction, one is normally focussed
on the finishing of the fuselage, a task already under
way and in this case the obvious next step should be
the cockpit. On the contrary, I decided to commence
the wing construction for two reasons: Firstly, it would
be unwise to work on the cockpit and then some
months later face a problem with the wings or
undercarriage, enough to cause a major setback or even worse, call a halt to the construction. Secondly,
it entailed the completion of the models basic shape,
enabling me to also focus my attention to the
notorious undercarriage which was the models most
intricate and complex aspect.
The wings of the real aeroplane were designed
around the Gottingen 436 (modified) airfoil, modified
10
which allowed one to see into the bomb cells when looking from the wheel
wells and vice versa. There were no intermediate sidewalls and this is what
is achieved here, an unobstructed view through all the adjacent
compartments!
part three
MEGAS TSONOS SCRATCHBUILDS THE HEAVY BOMBER IN 1:48
Only the visible areas were made to simulate the tubular construction.
Just outside the wheel wells (towards the wingtips) the etched brass sides
were made solid, to add to the wing strength.
11
The visible portion of the fuel tanks sidewall was made of black styrene sheet.
The top skin, cut to shape and etched as well, is seen here just before
soldering to the rest of the assembly. The two pewter panels seen here were
inserted between the top skin and the fuel tanks. This was done to conceal the
brass visible through the wheel wells, as the interior of the wings outwards of
the wells was unpainted on the real aeroplane.
The top skin is now soldered on the framework and both assemblies are now
12
Work continued with the soldering of the eight attaching points that would
accept the undercarriage structure. The attaching points are themselves
fitted to the front and main spars. With a ruler I checked that the front pins
were on the same line and horizontal (NO dihedral here!) in relation to the
horizontal level. I also checked that the rear attaching points were parallel
joined together and checked for correct dihedral with the aid of a jig that
was cut to the 2 25 top surface dihedral at the front spar.
Then the excess brass was cut and removed to make room for the flaps. The
area removed was a little wider than needed so as to allow the styrene top
layer to overlap towards the trailing edge, as it was easier to work on it than
on the brass.
to the front ones, as the main and rear spars are NOT parallel and are
converging towards the wingtips. In other words, each set of four attaching
points in each wing, formed a horizontal parallelogram, for the main
undercarriage leg to be correctly installed.
Wings
Using a spray can as a bending tool (!) I formed the ten flap tracks out of a length of solid rectangular section brass (KS Engineering)
These were then soldered into their respective places behind the main spar.
I used the Sanger kit wing undersides as their erroneous curves were in fact perfect for cementing them
instead as the topsides on my models wings!
13
The wings flat undersurface was also glued at this point using .040 sheet
styrene for this purpose. I also used Chemiwood high density tooling/
modelling board for the leading edges, the wingtips, and the exposed (rear)
fuel tanks, normally concealed by the retracted flaps.
14
I started detailing the wings interior with the primary structure. As I already
mentioned, the Warren truss framework was tubular. I had to do the same in
the structure of the model. I used Evergreens half round strips to good effect
gluing this onto the brass structure.
The primary structure detailing also included the interior behind the main spar
and over the flap tracks, an area which is visible at least from the wheel wells.
In the process I realized that one of the flap tracks on each wing should be
cut away and replaced by two smaller ones. That I did but I left its rear end
still attached to assist when gluing the flaps in place.
Evergreen strips were also used as stringers for the detailing of the bomb
cells and wheel well ceiling.
The area behind the rear (main) spar was painted with Alclad ALC-101
Aluminium.
I painted the area of the wheel wells and bomb cells in a very dark grey matt colour.
15
Following the inevitable paint touch-ups, the area behind the bomb cells was
covered with a piece of sheet pewter...
16
...over which a piece of thin plasticard was added. The pewter was used
as a light reflecting surface to make the interior more visible. After all,
this area was left unpainted on the real Stirling.
17
...and I sprayed three coats of White Surfacer 1000, to prepare the exterior surface for scribing and riveting.
The first details to be scribed on the wings were the outlines of the eight fuel
tanks. For this purpose, a template was drawn and cut out of thin plasticard.
The plasticard helped as I could use both sides of it to scribe the opposite
wing with exactly the same outlines; in doing so, I did not compromise the
much-needed symmetry. Using an old airbrush needle, I made the first
outlines. Then I rescribed with a Hasegawa Trytool modelling scriber, and
finished with an Olfa scriber. The latter usually helps in removing all excess
plastic off the line edges, something the round tools are not good at.
18
left The reader can easily see the double riveting which took almost a month to
complete. The riveting was done even under the areas where the outer nacelle
fairings would later occupy.
The subtle angling of the rear chordwise lines in relation to the ones forward of the main
spar can be seen to advantage.
19
Antti Lappalainens
fantastic Finnish Brewster Buffalo
20
BREWSTER
A
during 1943-1944.
War.
21
sanded.
of the project.
decals.
Working from original plan drawings and my reference from the museum
aircraft, masters were constructed and cast in resin where I wasnt content
with the kit parts.
the slot-head of the fastener was made with a fresh scalpel blade. The kit
detail was filled with Mr Surfacer.
From my plans it was evident that the tyres provided lacked the correct
profile which was re-sculpted and a pair cast in resin.
22
More photoetch detail was created for the landing gear including the
hydraulic pipes and connectors.
technique, but
together.
23
24
was added.
25
26
custom made.
canopy in place.
27
28
29
BREWSTER BW-372
Finnish
Air Force
Museum
Photographs by
Antti Lappalainen
30
31
1:32
D O R N I E R
35
Masterclub provide
start!
come to life.
Then the process goes to the landing gear bay, i first thinned the
More detail was added to the landing gear bays and access
this small step makes a great visual effect. note the right hand
side bulkhead is the result, compare to the left hand side, you can
sense the great difference.
Paint Process
The joining of the upper and lower fuselage caused me a little trouble
and required some work to get a perfect fit. With all the detailing work
closed inside it was time for paint. The full surface was treated by
applying grey primer and I examined the surfaces for any defects.
After some pre-shading in black, the upper surface was painted in
according with the instruction sheet combining RLM 81 and 82. I first
painted the green mixed with some sand-brown reducing the
saturation since i want to create a weathered overall colour.
1
2
3
After the RLM81 green was airbrushed and the masking for
brown was ready it was time for the RLM82, unfortunately, I didn't
have any RLM 82 ready to use, I decided to mix the colour in
according with some reference photos. The first attempt I found it
too dull and too red, therefore I decided to make it more aged
38
More engine wiring details were then added after the front engine
was mounted on the bulkhead. I was quite worried about the
strength of only four attaching points supporting the whole
engine with the weights added. Make sure of the joint strength
between the engine firewall where it attaches to the left and right
fuselage panels. I would suggest using some epoxy putty on the
reverse of the bulkhead for more insurance.
39
D O R N I E R
40
Happy Modelling?
For me, every project is a new challenge, in this case, its an opportunity for
practicing scratchbuilt plumbing details in the landing gear bay, the faded colours of
the green and brown camouflage and the rendering method for creating realism on
the airframe. Although I was presented some fit problems on the front engine
cowling and the upper fuselage, the overall fit was very good, Id very much
recommended this kit. Im looking forward to the future releases from HK Models.
41
GRUMMAN TBM-3
Olivier Soulis
case!
42
demarcation.
43
44
good reference.
impossible to re-touch.
Here, matt white has been applied with Eduards masks placed on
top. Yellow zinc chromate primer is applied also to the wing roots
scratching the top coat of colour. Note that this effect will be kept
to areas of crew movement (in-board of the wing fold area).
46
realistic results.
the propeller.
47
I followed this rule although lowering the flaps may have added
to the dynamism. Posing the turret, opening the canopy and off-
setting the rear wheel do help with the interest of the finished
lowered to the ground at the risk of hitting them with any type of
48
49
new releases
50
most excellent surface details and a set of photo etched precoloured seat belts that should keep most modellers happy as will
the extensive cockpit and wheel-well detail. The new markings will
be of interest, three options are offered: Spitfire LF Mk.IXc, MJ897,
GR 2/33 Savoie, French Air Force, Luxeuil-les-Bains, France,
January 1945, Spitfire LF Mk.IXc, flown by Capt. Garth Jared, CO
of 309th FS / 31st FG, USAAF, Italy, December 1943, Spitfire LF
Mk.IXc, PV119, Royal Egyptian Air Force, 1947. Fine generic
stencilling is also included. The same treatment has been given to
Eduard's Bf 109 E1/E3, have a look over at www.ak-interactive for
more details.
AK Interactive
Adding to their catalogue of handy collated sets, now available is set AK
2300 Soviet Aircraft Colours 1950 - 1970 with a selection of Air series
airbrush acrylics featuring three greens and cockpit grey. Also included
are the larger 30ml 'Extreme Metal' colours Aluminium and Dark
Aluminium which produce excellent finishes. Set AK 2320 is a set of four
Luftwaffe camo colours RLM 61, 62, 63 and 65 suitable for pre-war
subjects in the familiar 17ml 'dropper-style' bottles ready to spray.
51
Messerschmitt Bf 109
Jean-Claude Mermet &
Christian-Jacques
Ehrengardt
Published by Caraktre
Softback format, 191 pages
ISBN 9782916 403144
www.caraktere.com
We've previously looked at this superb guide to the life of the '109 in it's original French language
edition but were pleased to receive a sample of a new English language edition from our friends at
Caraktere. This book is a real gem for Luftwaffe modellers with the main focus on the model
developments with technical data and descriptive diagrams describing versions A to D, E and T, F,
G and K and special versions. The reference is very visual and easily digested with some beautiful
(many unpublished) period images of the '109 including some in colour. With the technical side of
things all sorted it's time to choose a suitable scheme and markings, and we're spoilt for choice
with a great selection of beautifully rendered colour profiles. As is always the cry when a new '109
kit hits the market "do we need another?" and some may think the same of reference on the
aircraft, but if the bar is raised for quality, accuracy and presentation the answer is surely yes.
Highly recommended reading, take a look over at www.caraktere.com at their excellent range.
52
worry though; the parts themselves display some very sharp detail
and fine surface features with delicate panel lines. Assembly is
very straight forward without any fancy features such as separate
control surfaces, but what is there is well done and should prove a
solid starting point if you can't help but super-detail your models.
Decals are excellent quality and offer several options including
fighter and electronic jammer versions. As mentioned, this is a
short-run release so pick one up while you can, head over to
Tarangus' website: www.tarangus.se
48301
71124
48300
48302
48303
48304
32103
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Direct from Texas come the latest white metal landing gear
upgrades from the guys at SAC. Starting in seventy second scale
is 72124 for the Airfix He 111 and in 1:48 48300 for the lovely
Zvezda PE-2, 48301 designed for the Kinetic Su-33, 48302 for the
Skunk F-16 XL, 48303 for Gas Patchs Salmson 2A2 and 48304 for
Trumpeters Su-24.
32104
32105
In 1:32 some stable standing for the massive Wingnuts Gotha G.IV
with set 32103 and likewise with 32104 for the AEG G.IV. Finally
32105 is designed for the Kitty Hawk T-28B/D Trojan.
Youll find SACs full catalogue at
www.scaleaircraftconversions.com
53
line work when used with a suitable paint mix. The needle cap can
be unscrewed in the normal way for those who like me prefer to
work with the needle exposed and there is a cut out in the handle
to allow the needle to be easily retracted to reset a blockage. The
trigger action has a little less resistance than I personally like to
pull against but this may well suit other users. I ran some MR
Paint through the brush to test its performance and as you can
see it was happy to produce some very consistent fine lines and
of course it will also cover larger areas quite happily! Price wise it
sits at around 80.00 according to the UK distributor making it an
attractive proposition as a useful general purpose airbrush.
54
58
Albert Tureczek
59
60
and is poseable.
61
62
The Mosquito has a very simple but distinctive paint scheme. Mine
consists of a two-tone camouflage pattern of Dark green and
Medium Sea Grey. Tamiya provides references according to their
own paint colours. I had decided on a new approach (for me!) this
time. I discarded my beloved Humbrols and turned my attention to
the acrylic colour range of Gunze Sangyos MR Hobby series. My
choice was H 57 Aircraft grey and a mix of H 78 Olive Drab and
H58 Interior green. I started out with the primer Mr. Finishing
Surfacer 1500 grey. I diluted it with the airbrush thinner No. 110.
This turned into a nice, smooth surface. After the primer dried I
applied the lighter colour. The paint dries quickly, but there was no
real need to rush, I set the model aside for a while, giving it
enough time to thoroughly harden.
Uschi polishing powders give superb metallic effects. I applied mine with a
cotton bud to the cannons and engine buffing to the desired finish.
63
64
65
W
E
N
from
K E R
P A R
D
I
V
D A
ING
ODELL
GUIDE
By popular demand,
weve collated the full
series of David Parkers
remarkable award-winning
HK Models 1:32 B-17G
into this limited-run
82 page softback book.
In addition to the eleven
chapters of the AIR modeller
series, theres previously
unpublished images and a ten
page walk-around reference
section of surviving aircraft
making this book the ideal
companion to modellers
embarking on the build of this
monumental kit.
only
19
.95
www.mengafvmodeller.com