WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND!

With the Thunderchief all done and dusted, attention is turning to next month and my work from Tamiya Model Magazine International. Here’s the glimpse into the future to show you those plans, as well as some kits that I’d like to build, but I’m not sure when!

MONOGRAM’S THUNDERCHIEF – DONE AND DUSTED!

This week has seen me complete my latest build for work and the latest to sit within my growing collection of Century Series jets, the incredible F-105G. Built using a Revell reissue of Monogram’s classic kit, this has to only given me the chance to build an aircraft that has hitherto passed me by, it has allowed my almost by accident to replicate another Verlinden model, his version being seen in the seminal modelling book ‘On Plastic Wings’.

Initially released in 1982, Monogram’s F-105G was the first of four kits that covered both the Wild Weasel, as well as the Foxtrot and Delta variants, the latter as separate F-105D and T-Stick II kits. Individual boxings would feature reworked details and in the case of the single-seat F-105Ds, new fuselage halves, cockpit, canopy and weapons. All shared a basic philosophy though: a small parts count, simple breakdown and relatively easy assembly, if only when it came to the construction of the airframe! Even today it’s amazing how small the number of components is, offering a jarring comparison with many of the über kits that have seen their way to market over the last few years, where engineering degrees seem just as applicable as modelling skills!

Though I was expecting this build to be one that offered simpler projects than both the F-101 Voodoo and F-106 Delta Dart, the reality was that it became one that offered some tougher, albeit different challenges. Sure, the kit itself is easy to build, the construction of the basic airframe and details supplied, needing little in the way of time or experience to master. The issues, as they began to arise, centred around the finish, those panel lines and my desire to use what I had rather than carrying out a major rework, testing my skills and trying my patience, in equal measure. That resulted in paintwork that I feel is overcooked and I’ve lost some of the definition that I wanted to see as the model and it’s camouflage, progressed towards completion.

So that’s four builds down, with two left to do. My next project will be the F-100, marked in the colours of Col. R. R. Toliver’s 20th TFW aircraft ‘Triple Zilch’. This one should also offer some challenges, not least of which is that painted aluminium finish, with those burnt metal panels under the tail. I’m looking forward to it though, the kit being excellent and the possibilities from those amazing markings, very bright indeed!

If you would like to read more about my build of the Monogram F-105G Thunderchief, please check out the November issue of Model Airplane International magazine (Issue 208) where you will find an in-depth, 12-page feature. 

WHAT’S NEXT?! I HEAR YOU CRY…

With the Thunderchief all done and dusted, attention is turning to next month and my work from Tamiya Model Magazine International. Here’s the glimpse into the future to show you those plans, as well as some kits that I’d like to build, but I’m not sure when!

We begin with work for Marcus Nicholls…

AUSTIN K2/Y AMBULANCE

“One of the most famous vehicles of its type, the Austin K2/Y Ambulance was used extensively by British and Commonwealth forces throughout WWII, both in the combat zones of the world and on the home front. Built around the chassis of the Austin K30 light truck, the casualty compartment was developed in conjunction with the Royal Army Medical Corps and therefore proved to be highly functional. Able to carry either four stretcher cases or ten seated casualties, one of the main reasons why the K2/Y was so successful was because it was so rugged and reliable, requiring only a minimum of maintenance – an ambulance should always be ready when you need it.”

Plans are afoot to have me build this new kit for a future edition of Tamiya Model Magazine International. Marcus Nicholls and I had discussed some possible projects and this one not only fit the bill in terms of building a new Airfix kit, it also allowed us to look at something that was a little off-the-wall, the chance to build an ambulance being a less-than-regular occurrence!

From a modelling point of view, this looks likely to be a fun project. The accuracy of the model, the levels of detail incorporated into the kit’s design and the ease with which it should go together, look likely to offer a pleasing week or so at the bench. Along with the basic kit, Marcus has also sent over some DEF MODEL resin wheel sets that look absolutely superb. Three different sets have been produced, ‘Sagged Wheel Set 1’, ‘Sagged Wheel Set 2’ and ‘Balloon Sagged Wheel Set’.

Detail is exquisite and casting flawless, so using one of these sets will add immeasurably to the look of the completed model. As an aside, I was amused, though not wholly surprised, to see each set referencing modified manufacturers’ names, Indix, Goodyeax and Dunlox, when the actual tyres are detailed with accurate logos… 

For more information on this recently released kit, please visit the Airfix website at the following address:

https://uk.airfix.com/products/austin-k2y-ambulance-a1375

YES, BUT HAVEN’T YOU BUILT ONE OF THESE VEHICLES BEFORE..?

Well, yes I have! This won’t be the first time that I’ve tackled one a K2Y Ambulance, a 1/48 kit crossing my desk back in 2004 whilst I was still the editor of the now defunct, Military In Scale magazine. Though I don’t have the feature to hand – nor indeed the model! – I remember it being a very pleasing kit from Accurate Armour, with lovely levels of detail and for a resin kit, relatively easy assembly. Looking back at the images of the completed build, it certainly looks like I had fun putting it together, so I’ll be hoping that my next attempt at building a Katy ambulance is every bit as successful!

For more information on Accurate Armour’s kit, please visit their website at the following address, where you will be able to by one of these kits for your 1/48 vehicle collection:

https://accurate-armour.com/aa-products/148th-complete-kits-conversioin-sets/k48001

MONOGRAM’S MILLENNIAL MIRAGE: ANOTHER ADDITION TO THE COLLECTION…

Given the content of the opening paragraphs of this update, it will surprise no-one that my attention is currently focussed on aircraft kits from Morton Grove, Illinois’, finest kit concern, Monogram. That being so, I’ve tried to stay true to the Century Series that I’m endeavouring to complete this year, but that has not stopped me from taking a peek at eBay amongst other things, to see what other goodies are on offer.

One of the kits that I’ve wanted to buy and build for some time, is their 1/48 Mirage 2000 that was released in 1982. Replicating the reworked prototype 2000-01 bedecked in those glorious gloss white, blue and red schemes that defined both the Mirage 2000 and larger brother, the twin-engined Mirage 4000, it was a kit that I had already owned many years ago, but now had a burning desire to tackle once more.

Given the age of the kit, it is, as you might have guessed given that it sits smack-bang in the middle of Monogram’s Golden Age of jet kit production, really rather nice. Moulded in a silky white plastic that so tantalised a certain Joe Saki back in the day, the kit offered a glimpse into the future by replicating the larger-tailed prototype that would go on to become so well-known in service. This was also pleasing, because it contrasted so perfectly with ESCI’s prototype kit that featured the slimmer tail fin originally fitted to Mirage 2000-01, thus allowing modellers the opportunity to re-create both machines for their collections, in the same scale.

Here’s the aircraft as first flown…

And then, once modified…

Though I have no definite plans as yet, I’m certainly considering the idea of building both of these aircraft as I now have the two kits that I need. I may even build a representative service machine to round-off the collection, thus allowing me to build models of aircraft that I can honestly call favourites, but as of today, I have never built in miniature. Watch this space, as they say…

KOTARE MODELS LTD

A Brand-new 1/32 Spitfire Mk.I, almost ready to fly…

Kotare Models Ltd have announced this morning that their soon to be released first kit, a 1/32 Spitfire Mk.I, is now available to pre-order. Shipping hopefully in late November-December 2022 subject to worldwide trade difficulties. Pre-order deposit payment in full with 100% refund available on request up to the actual shipping date. 

If you would like to see more of this exceptional model, please visit their Facebook page or their website using the following address:

https://www.kotare-models.com/products/k32001-132-spitfire-mkia-mid