AFV Club F-5E/N

                This is one of those kits that called out to me when I saw the attractive markings. I contacted Jim S. and shortly thereafter the kit was sitting on my work bench. On fist examination I was really pleased with what I saw; recessed panel lines that were consistent overall and not too heavy or too light. Kind of reads like a children’s fairy tale about a young girl and three bears huh? I clipped a few parts out to do my usual test fitting using 3M Blue painters tape and was again pleased with what I saw. Everything fit well and fit snug. There was nary a gap to be found. Construction began with the office (Cockpit). The side panels are provided as separate pieces that can be painted separately and then installed later. The detail on them is top notch and doesn’t need to be replaced with resin unless you just absolutely need to have some resin in there. About the only thing I would add would be some should and lap belts. Otherwise, things look good as they are.

                 There were no major problems with initial construction. I had to use a small amount of filler on the bottom of the tail area, and two small shims on the front edge of the front wheel well. Otherwise, the rest of the kit fit fine.  Instructions are easy to follow and well laid out. Two panels on port side of fuselage need careful fitting when gluing to ensure proper alignment. I had to do some minor block sanding to level off a minor step in the fitting of these panels, but it didn’t affect the end result. The cockpit fits well inside fuselage and is very snug. The forward fuselage will need to be held together to keep it sealed while glue dries as it wants to splay apart. A few rubber bands held mine securely. The cockpit has excellent detail and looks great under paint. The instrument panel has small attachment/gluing points so be careful when installing that. It can be glued to the back of the rear edge of the coaming once that is installed.

                 The main landing gear doors have tiny parts; like really tiny. There are minimal attaching points for the doors too. I’m sure most of us are familiar with the legs having either a peg or hole in the gear leg and a corresponding peg or hole in the door. Not so with this set up. The gear doors are attached to the gear legs with the three tiny parts; that’s it. If you lose one you are hosed unless you can fabricate one.

                 The kit provides two sets of panels for the rear of the fuselage, parts P1, P2, P4 and P5.  I’m not sure what they are referred to, air bleed panels possibly, one represents the panels when the engine is running, the other, when it isn’t. The ones I installed represent the running version. There are some parts left over in this once the build is complete; antennas, an extra seat, drop tanks and several other miscellaneous pieces to name a few. There are also enough decals remaining to do another two aircraft by my count. I plan on trying to use them on my Monogram F-5’s in the stash. Hopefully they fit.

                 Construction takes place over fourteen steps beginning with the bang seat. It is well detailed, but has a couple of knock out marks on the back rest. These can be covered with some .005 sheet plastic or hidden by using some after-market belts. I used sheet plastic. Pay careful attention to the instructions as they point out where to drill holes for smaller pieces that are added later in the build. If you miss something, you are on your own in locating them. I made small holes where these parts were to be attached and opened them wider later in the build.

                 The nose cone can be installed upside down if you are not careful. The instructions provide a drawing of what it should look like in profile when installed correctly and incorrectly. This kit provides separate slats and flaps that fit snug enough that they can be installed for painting, then removed and added later in the build in either a dropped or raised position. They fit snug enough I didn’t need to glue them in place.  Part H3 is the elevator assembly. It is a single piece that is trapped between the fuselage halves. It is also very fragile. I broke mine several times over the course of my build. Take care here.

                 The exhaust cans look a little shallow in appearance, but it is hard to see once painted. They are sided as well. They should angle inwards towards the each other when installed correctly. If installed wrong, they will still fit, but will angle outwards from the center line of the plane. The landing gear fit very well on my kit. It was snug getting the legs into the corresponding holes, but a little drop of Tamiya Super Thin cement freed thing up enough to allow them to snuggle down into their slots nicely. The supports fit equally as well and snug. The kit can be built with the main gear doors retracted or opened. The same can be done with the air brakes and landing lights. The centerline drop tank traps a poly cap inside which allows the tank to be swapped out with other ordinance later should the builder wish to do so.

                 Markings are provided for four aircraft; all four are from VFC-111 Sundowners. Three of the four paint schemes are in shades of light blues and gray. The remaining aircraft wears a radome, tan, and wood brown scheme. The decals performed well using Solvaset. They are very thin and tend to stick to themselves easily, so one should take extra care when applying them. The tails should be painted white if using the bursting sun markings as they are translucent. I had no problems with silvering decals. The inclusion of the ACMI pod is a nice touch and its bright orange is a nice contrast to the blues and grays of the airframe.

                 Overall construction took roughly 24 hours spread over several days. The kit builds quickly due to the extremely nice fit of the parts and pieces. There was very little clean-up work involved with my build. If you are looking for a fast build the features plenty of detail, and a colorful paint scheme, you can’t go wrong with this one. Thanks to AFV Club for the review piece.

Review

Mfg.: Cyber-hobby 6583

Subject: Sd.Kfz.7 8T flatbed w/flackvierling 38

Scale: 1/35th

Parts:  over 500

Type of kit: Late WWII German mobile flack gun truck

The kit is of a German Flack gun truck used late in WWII on all fronts. This vehicle was used as a quick way to get cover for the German infantry who was constantly attacked by the Allied air superiority in 1944. Armed with four rapid fire machine guns and covered in protective armor plates this was a formidable foe.

The kit is packed with lots of parts and gives the modeler the option to build the kit in an open defensive posture or closed for traveling. The parts in the kit are molded very thin for a scale appearance. Link bu link tracks are provided in the kit for a more realistic track sag. One nice touch provided in the kit is window masks that are pre-cut to fit the windshield. Many other detail parts are provided including corrected front tires. The instructions are clear and take you step by step and also give you a painting chart for a summer camouflage. The “Slide molding” technology  is used to give parts like the guns hollow centers and more detail to the road wheels. The chassis detail of the truck will take some time to build but will be worth the effort when the model is finished.

It is great to have a variety of WWII German subjects get the detail they deserve from model companies that take the time to “do it right” and give the modelers what they want.

Review

Mfg.: Hobby Boss 80350

Subject: F111D/E Aardvark

Scale: 1/48th

Parts:  over 500

Type of kit: American medium attack bomber late version

The kit is of a swing wing attack bomber used by the United States.  The aircraft was developed in the late 1960’s and had a long career from the Viet Nam war and also used in the Gulf war in the early 1990’s. It fit a multi roll purpose as it could fly at slow speeds with wings extended and supersonic speeds when swept back.

The kit is packed with lots of parts and gives you many options for dropped slats and flaps. You can also model the kit with open electronic bays. A large array of weapons are included for a variety of looks. All the parts are crisply molded and fine recessed panel lines cover the whole model. You can build the internal engine detail with the multitude of parts provided.  Two types of markings are included with one having a tiger striped tail and fancy “nose art”.

Modelers will be excited to finally get a new F-111 Aardvark in this scale and with all the incredible options. Many people will be looking forward to al the other versions of the great fighter-bomber.

Review

Mfg.: Hobby Boss 82454

Subject: ZSL-92 IFV

Scale: 1/35th

Parts:  over 200

Type of kit: Chinese six wheel, light armored fighting vehicle

The kit is of a modern six wheel fighting vehicle designed by the Chinese as infantry support. Armed with a rapid fire main gun located on a traversable mount for 360 degree movement.

The kit has many finely detailed parts depicting all the extra tools and items attached to the hull of the vehicle. Clear parts are provided for the wind screen and can be molded with armor plates open or closed around them. The kit provided rubber tires with plastic hubs for realism. The kit has a photo-etch fret with screens for the engine details.

Decals are provided for two different versions and a detailed color profile sheet is also in the kit. Color call outs are provided in Gunze, Testors, Vallejo, Tamiya and Humbrol.  

This kit is a very unique subject and looks very different from other armor kits. Modelers will appreciate a new different looking model subject.

Review

Mfg.: Hobby Boss

Subject: PLAN Type 092 Xia Class SSBN

Scale: 1/350

Parts: over 60 

Type of kit: Chinese Ballistic Submarine

The kit represents a modern Chinese Ballistic missile submarine built in the early 1980’s and launched in the late 1980’s and was the first nuclear ballistic submarine used by China.

The kit has a cut hull so one can model it waterline or full hull. The detail is very fine engraved panel lines and windows. A nice feature is you can model it either with open or closed missile hatches. You can build it with up to six missiles sticking out of the “silos”. The hit provides some photo- etch parts of the limited railing around the conning tower and an optional multi-blade propeller. There is a small but complete set of decals included for more realism.

The instructions are in English and Chinese and are very clear and precise with a parts lay out drawing also.  A color diagram is in the kit for easy painting reference. The colors are called out in Gunze, Vallejo, Testors, Tamiya and Humbrol, very nice.

When your model is complete a stand is also provided in the kit.

Overall a very nice kit of a subject most will not be familiar with and is a good change of pace.

Review

Mfg.: Mini Art 53523

Subject: Tram supports & street lamp

Scale: 1/35th

Parts:  60 

Type of kit: WWII era German street tram overhead wire supports

The kit replicates street lamp and tram wires common in Europe during WWWII.

The kit gives you four runners of identical parts so you can build 4 of each of four different styles of posts. All parts are molded cleanly and have good detail.

This diorama accessory will be a welcome sight for modelers wanting to give there models a more life-like appearance.

The kit’s box has the assembly instructions on the back but no painting guide except for the picture on the box front.

A welcome kit for armor modelers.

Mfg.: Zvezda German L-4500 Mauler

Kit #: 3603

Subject: German L-4500 Maultier

Scale: 1/35^th

Parts:  426

Type of kit:  German heavy halftrack L 4500 R Maultier

This kit is a represents a mid WWII German heavy transport vehicle

The Maultier or “Mule” was rushed into service as its predecessor was under powered. The track system was taken from the Panzer II tank and worked well in the eastern front and other conflicts where a bigger track was needed. Daimler built over 1486 of these vehicles.

The first thing you see when the kit is opened is lots and lots of very small, very detailed parts! The kit is molded in a desert tan and has very detailed suspension, engine, frame and running gear. The parts for the trucks bed are molded to simulate wood grain and this is done very well and to scale. The track is a link by length system and the fine detail on each link is unbelievable! The kit also has parts to simulate the fabric tarp covering the bed and once painted will look like a real tarp, wrinkles and all. Ther is no flash on the runners and the molding is top notch. The front tires are molded in 3 piece assembly.

The kits instructions are in five different languages, including English. On the first page is a brief history of the vehicle. Parts are laid out in clear step by step drawings.  A new feature is the sub assembly’s are shaded in gray so the modeler will know what goes where in the final assembly.  Paint call outs are in Testors Model Master and decals are given for one version.

This kit is very nice and will be a great build for modelers who like all the small details. 

Review

Mfg.: Fine Molds

Kit #: FM 29

Subject: Type 3 “GHI-NU” Japanese WWII medium tank

Scale: 1/35^th

Parts:  203

Type of kit:  Imperial Japanese army WWII medium tank

This kit is a represents a Japanese tank from 1944

The CHI-NU was a late produced tank in WWII and used an artillery gun as its main weapon to challenge the U.S. Sherman tank.

The kit is the first of its kind in 1/35^th scale and has a detailed gun system including the breach. There is an option to have the cupola hatch open so you can see the guns detail. There are some parts molded in clear styrene that include the light covers and cupola site glass. The main gun is in two pieces for a hollow tube but you can upgrade it to an aluminum barrel, sold separately. The tracks are the band style as link by link might be problematic with such small tread sizes. All the runners are flash free and crisply molded.

The kit is molded in a tan color and has very clear instructions that include English. An extra nice touch in the lower sponson covers that hide the open hole under the track detail. There is a large section on the instructions for the color scheme. Color call outs match Tamiya and Humbrol brands. Decals give you a choice of three different variants. 

 This kit seems to fill an area most model companies forget about as not many Japanese WWII tank kits exist. Modelers will be delighted with this release.

Review

Mfg.: Great Wall Hobby

Kit #: L3516

Subject: German 3.7 Flak43 halftrack

Scale: 1/35^th

Parts:  over 400

Type of kit:  3.7cm Flak43 auf schwere Wehrmacht Schlepper

This kit is a represents a mid WWII German mobile flak gun

By the middle of WWII the German Wehrmacht was faced with the loss of their air superiority and they needed new vehicles for defense from the Allied air attacks. The Germans needed a fast, mobile platform they could protect the armored columns with. Many vehicles were tried and eventually the halftrack was used. Only 820 of this version were built, not near enough to turn the Allied supremacy.

The kit has many complex parts molded in single pieces. A one piece frame and cab are molded this way. The parts are very thin and have a great “scale” look. There is a complete drivers compartment and gun mechanism with many super detailed parts including some in Photo-etch metal. The tracks are link by link and superbly detailed. Great Wall Hobby has extensively used slide-molding techniques on this kit that allowed hollow molding of the main gun and many other parts needing extra detail. Ammunition is also supplied in miniature.

The instructions give a brief history of the vehicle and are written in Chinese and English. The assembly drawings are very clear and well laid out. The use of exterior “knock out pins” on the plastic sprue is a welcome sight as the model parts will not have those pesky round dimples in them.  The kit has a separate color sheet for the painting and decaling of the one version and denotes Gunze brand paint.

This will be a exciting build for armor modelers of all skill levels.  

In the early 1940s the automobile company American Bantam produced an early prototype all wheel drive ¼ ton truck for the United States Army. Called the BRC, for Bantam Reconnaissance Car, it was one of the earliest designs that led to the Jeep. Unfortunately Bantam was deemed unable to produce the vehicle in the numbers required so the contract was give to Willys and Ford. The 1500 units Bantam had made were given under Lend/Lease to the United Kingdom and the USSR.

 The Ukrainian company MiniArt has produced this vehicle in three different kits. Each kit has a different set of “crew.” Kit 35014 has an American MP unit, kit 35050 has a British crew, and the subject of this review, kit 35048, is labeled a ‘Soviet Command Car w/Crew.” Technically since the American army never used this vehicle only the British and Soviet versions are accurate, though the MP crew of 35014 will be welcomed by Allied modelers.

 The kit consists of two sprues of light gray plastic for the vehicle itself, one sprue for the five figures, and one clear sprue for windshield and headlights. The plastic is somewhat soft, almost rubbery. The molding of the pieces is good, nice and crisp, with some flash in a few areas.  There are a number of fairly prominent knock out marks that look to be in areas where most won’t show when the kit is completed. One area where these knock out marks will need to be dealt with is under the hood. The kit comes with a decent seven piece engine and radiator that if you decide to leave the hood up to show off you will need to sand down the marks.

 The kit’s main body is in one piece, like the Tamiya Jeep and opposed to the Italeri version that comes in several pieces. The chassis and suspension is nicely detailed, consisting of some 29 parts. Some of these are a bit fiddly, so care will be needed. Many fine points that could be molded onto the body have been made separate for greater detail. Overall this kit is more detailed than the Italeri Jeep, and at least as detailed as the Tamiya.

 What really brings attention to this kit is the five Soviet figures it comes with. These consist of a driver, two officers, one apparently of higher rank, an armed guard, and a women who it appears is some kind of Soviet MP. The figures are at least as detailed as DML kits. The heads, and headgear, are separate pieces to aid in painting. The woman is the typical western stereotype of a soviet female, she’s a big girl that looks to be able to handle herself. Also included are a rifle and three sub machineguns, although only one of the SMGs is shown being used. I don’t enough about Soviet arms or uniforms to know how accurate these are but they look right to me. 

The instructions are clear, though the drawings are somewhat small. One page shows the box art and drawings of the sprues. These sprue drawings are important, as the sprues themselves do not have part numbers on them. You may need to constantly refer back the sprue drawings to know exactly which piece is which. Assembly is in 22 steps which sounds much more complicated than it really is. The last page shows the assembled figures with color notations similar to DML’s box art of their figures. One detail I’m really glad to see MiniArt do is to include paint numbers for Vallejo, Testors, Tamiya, Humbrol, Revell, and Mr. Color. This certainly beats DML, who ignore Vallejo, Tamiya, and Humbrol, or Tamiya who ignore ever body but their own.

 Overall I find this to be an interesting addition to my stash. By itself the kit can make a small diorama or it can be combined with another Soviet vehicle at a crossroads to give the women a reason to be directing traffic. The only downsides to the kit is no part numbers on the sprues, and some confusion as to which parts go where, which with such a relatively simple kit isn’t a big deal.

            It is a pleasant surprise to see this kit back on the market after being without it for awhile. The F-104 is one of my favorite planes and to have a quality mold of one in 1/32 is an added bonus. While the molding is older for Hasegawa, meaning raised panel lines, the quality is still evident in the kit. It features the bigger chord tail which is the most prominent external difference on the plane and is easily seen when looking at the plane in profile. Panel lines, while raised, are well done and consistent. There are a few added bonuses included; namely resin main gear doors and wheels with the wheels being the correct wider version and the gear doors having the prominent bulge for the tires. There was a minor bit of flash on my sample, but it will clean up easily with a few passes from a sanding stick. The main landing gear is re-enforced with a pre-bent length of copper wire that is trapped between the two halves to help keep the landing gear legs from “splaying” out over time. Cockpit detail is adequate with raised buttons and knobs on the side consoles as well as the instrument panel, but the seat is incorrect for a German “G” variant. The kit “Bang seat” is the earlier C-2 variant and should be a Martin-Baker GQ-7(A) which is a totally different looking seat. All is not lost though as a couple of folks offer resin replacement seats. AMS Resin (http://mysite.verizon.net/resqt29j/) is one and the other is CAM Resin offered through Johns Models http://www.johnsmodels.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=CAM

            Other companies that produced items for this kit featuring the earlier C-2 seat are Verlinden and True Details. Black Box made a resin cockpit, unfortunately out of production, that might be found with a little searching. I imagine you could mix and match to get where you needed to be, or one could simply build it out of the box. Whatever the choice, there are options available.  A nice inclusion is the defrost ducting around the canopy which isn’t found on the 1/48 offerings of Starfighter. The builder has the option of posing the M-61 Vulcan cannon bay opened or closed. This same can be said for the radar in the nose of the aircraft as well as the ability to display the full J-79 engine along with the speed brakes. Personally, to this builder anyway, this takes away from the sleek look of the plane, so mine will be buttoned up as it were, but the option is there should somebody wish to do so.

            Weapons choices are limited to two Aim 9 Sidewinders. You have the option of mounting them on the belly of the plane in step 15 or swapping out the wing tip tanks and installing them in step 17. No under wing pylons are provided. A pilot figure is included, but it is pretty basic in appearance. Construction takes place over seventeen steps with easy to follow instructions and paint call outs provided for Mr. Color paints. Markings are provided for two aircraft.

·         MFG1 Marinefleiger 22+71  Neutral gray over silver

·         MFG2 Marinefleiger 26+88  Neutral gray over silver

Even though this is an older kit in new trimmings with some added goodies, it is still a wonderful kit with just a few short comings. Decal choices are limited, but there are aftermarket items available. If you are a fan of the Starfighter, and want one in a larger scale, then this just might be the one for you as it is the best Starfighter kit in this scale. Thanks to Dragon models for the review sample.