News from your model shop - 4th June 2023

Hello

Following lots of requests, we have added a "newly arrived" page to our website. This lists all the latest products added to the website, whether they are new products or second hand items. You can visit it by clicking here.

Don't forget to read our latest modelling tips and unboxing videos located at the bottom of the newsletter.

Feel free to send this newsletter to your friends, family and club members if you think they will benefit from it. They can subscribe for free.

One of the great aspects of model-making is that the techniques and processes we learn and use are equally valid across a diverse range of subjects.  Modellers are invariably intrigued by the work of other model makers who work in differing fields of interest.  Whether your particular interest is in trains, armour ships or aircraft, invariably there is always something to be learnt from observing the work of other modellers.  Aviation has always been a popular subject for modellers of all ages and abilities.  The wide range of eras covered and available scales mean that subjects from the earliest pioneers of aviation to the latest, cutting-edge developments are readily available.  The skill sets learnt and developed by aviation modellers are also equally versatile, whether it be the complex rigging of a biplane or the development of a diorama setting for a particular subject, many techniques are equally valid in other modelling fields.  This week we will look at a particular aspect of aviation modelling, namely, fighters and interceptors.  Modelling fighters has a number of advantages, they tend to be small so a modeller can choose a larger scale which has the benefit of providing extra detail without being too demanding on space available for display.

The earliest pioneers of aviation were in most cases biplanes.  The biplane has several advantages over a monoplane, in that they are generally more manoeuvrable and have a higher roll rate.  Additionally, the powerplants available in the early twentieth century produced lower speeds, meaning that the excess drag of a biplane was less of an issue.  Biplanes tend to be available in a number of scales and can be very interesting subjects to build with great visual appeal.  The Czech manufacturer Eduard is a firm favourite for Biplane aficionados.  Their 'weekend' series offer subjects with a good level of detail, that are not overly complex and good value for money.  Their Fokker D.VII (OAW) is well supplied with a range of build options and colourful decals.  Likewise, their Avia B.534 from the Profipack range has a good selection of decal options and additional photo-etch parts for extra detail.  Completing our trio of biplanes is the Gloster Gladiator Mk.I/II by Airfix, which has the benefit of a low parts count but a high level of detail.  All three biplanes seen here are available in 1/72 scale.



Developments in the aviation industry led to an increase in available engine power and as such manufacturers started to develop monoplanes to take advantage of this fact.  The Hawker Hurricane was developed as a monoplane derivative of an earlier biplane and is seen here in its Mk.IIb form, as produced by Arma Hobbies in 1/72 scale.  Perhaps the best known British WWII fighter design is the Supermarine Spitfire.  Over 20,000 Spitfires were produced and for those looking for a suitably challenging kit to pay tribute, then the 1/24 scale Mk.IXc by Airfix, will offer plenty of opportunities.  Not all fighters were single-seaters, nor in fact, born to the role.  A number of aircraft were hastily adapted to other roles as circumstances dictated, such as the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IVf which was adapted from a light bomber for convoy protection duties, this recent issue by Airfix is produced in 1/72 scale.



For those modellers looking for a slightly bigger size and challenge, then a 1/48 scale kit is bound to suit.  Many manufacturers produce a significant range in this scale, such as Eduard with the Messerschmitt BF109E-3 from their 'weekend' selection, which offers great detail with a straightforward build.  Likewise, from the same company and in the same scale is the Hawker Tempest Mk.V.  This kit has a number of interesting build options, including markings for the famous British pilot, wing commander Roland Prosper Beamont.  Dogfight Doubles have long been a favourite subject for many kit manufacturers and modellers alike.  These kits contain two different aircrafts, inevitably contemporary antagonists, as exemplified by the ME262/P51B Combat Set produced by Revell in 1/72 scale.



Most modelling genres occasionally produce very intriguing and unusual subjects for the modeller looking for something a little different, such as the Focke-Wulf Treibflugel Nachtjager, by Mini-Art in 1/35 scale.  Although it never actually flew, the type was an intriguing concept offering high firepower with the ability to take-off and land from small airfields or large clearings.  The mid-twentieth century was an era of swift technological development in many arenas and most especially in the aviation industry.  The post-WWII era witnessed the large-scale development and use of the jet engine and the de Havilland Vampire was an early pioneer of the jet age.  This 1/48 scale offering from Airfix is highly detailed and is supplied with three decal options.  Bringing us right up to the present day is the Mig-29 Fulcrum, 'The Ghost of Kyiv' by the Ukrainian manufacturer ICM.  This interesting kit is provided with a comprehensive set of decals which will faithfully reproduce the unique digital camouflage scheme of the aircraft.



Whether you are a dedicated aviation enthusiast, or looking for an interesting and diverse change of scene, fighters and interceptors offer significant scope and interest to any modeller.  From the earliest aviation pioneers to the latest service aircraft, there is an incredibly broad selection of subjects and scales to choose from.  Why not consider a fighter or interceptor subject for your next project?

• What is the difference between a Flow Improver and a Flow Retarder and when would I typically use them?
• What advantages does Analogue have over DCC?
• How do I best blend buildings, roads and other scene elements into a backscene whilst maintaining a realistic perspective?
• Were steam or diesel locomotives routinely used to push as opposed to pulling their loads?
• Where would I use a scissors crossing on my layout?

• Why is it a bad idea to spray paint when it is cold?
• Can I use WD-40 on my model railway locomotive?
• In DCC, what is a programming track?
• When weathering, is an airbrush or a regular brush best?
• Are there any special considerations for wiring and controlling a 3-way turnout as opposed to a standard turnout?

• Airfix A06107 De Havilland Vampire F3 1/48 Scale
• Ratio 226 Pump/Boiler House N Gauge
• Airfix A55310A Mini Cooper S - Gift Set in 1/32 Scale

You can access all the unboxing videos by visiting this page or simply click on the link called "videos" on our website.