Monday, November 30, 2009

1/144 Zero Type 52 / 52a - Homeland Defence - SWEET

1/144 Zero Type 52 / 53a - Homeland Defence - SWEET

I know you havent slept in antcipation since we first revealed the two new winter kits released by Sweet. Here is another teaser showing the inital box art for the second kit which is the "Home Land Defence" option!

Here is a great Christma, and do not forget that letter to Santa!

http://kampfgruppe144.blogspot.com/2009/11/1144-zero-fighter-a6m5-model-52-52a-kou.html

Sunday, November 29, 2009

1/144 F-104 Luftwaffe Decal Set by Astra Decal






Astra Decal is brand of DACO Decals, who in turn researches design decals for Revell (Germany) Gmbh.

This means the authenticity of this product is unquestionable!?
They shoulf also be proper screen printed decals, not alps! :0)

This is an amazingly complete set of decals that enable you to complete over 1000 (!) different configurations of German Luftwaffe Starfighters (Bare Metal Finish versions excluded).
.
I think it would be true to say if your a Modern Era Luftwaffe or a F-104 Fanatic this has to be on your list of purchases! It might even be true to say that a large number of these decals could be used in general modeling (if your not a rivet counter!)
.
If you wish to see "super size images" click below:
Home Page http://ultra.glo.be/daco/

Product Page http://ultra.glo.be/daco/KAst16.html
Decal #1 http://ultra.glo.be/daco/DAst16aG.jpg
Decal #2 http://ultra.glo.be/daco/DAst16bG.jpg
Decal #3 http://ultra.glo.be/daco/DAst16cG.jpg
Decal #4 http://ultra.glo.be/daco/DAst16dG.jpg
Decal #5 http://ultra.glo.be/daco/DAst16eG.jpg

Available: Now!
Price: 10 Euro

A full set for Belgian F-104's is also planned: http://ultra.glo.be/daco/KDCD64.html

On another note:
It is Shame the 'Dirty Diana' F-16 decals are not in available in 144!!
Only the Dutch AF would be alowed to paint their aircraft like this, it wouldnt be permmited in the UK! :o(

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Anigrand Announcements




Anigrand have confirmed the following releases:

Short SA.4 Sperrin - $78 December 2009
Bartini-Beriev VVA-14M1P - $88 January 2010

pre-order soon?

www.anigrand.com/future_releases.htm

Monday, November 23, 2009

1/144 Altaya/IXO Consolidated Catalina Mk IVA UK



1/144 Altaya/IXO Consolidated Catalina Mk IVA RAF UK

A new release from Altaya/IXO a nice looking RAF version of the PBY-5
Catalina IVA Lend-lease PBY-5s for the RAF, 93 aircraft.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBY_Catalina

Sunday, November 22, 2009

1/144 SdKfz 234/2 + 234/1 Turret - Panzerdepot






This months release from Panzer Depot is the SdKfz.234/2 Puma plus 234/1 Turret.
This means you have two display options, or you coudl just buy two of each!?

The detail looks of on the pcitures so far, the 234/1 is obviously the interesting option here as it is normally seen on smaller skdfz such as the 222 and similar.

Other Sdkfz 234 are available, but with this version the resin casting and painting is where the extra money is going.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SdKfz_234
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwerer_Panzerspahwagen

3x colour options

Available: Now
Cost: 18USD

www.panzerdepot.com/

www.panzerdepot.com/eshop/catalog/index.php

Making Sense of the Revell Boeing 707 (1/144)

1/144 Scale - Making Sense of the Revell Boeing 707
by Ken Miller & Michael Bludworth

It is another very wet and windy day today and therefore not a day to be out and about, so now i can surf the Internet without guilt.

I found an interesting article on the Revell 1/144 707 & KC135 kits, it an illuminating article on many points regarding the kits and how some of the older editions are better than the new ones due to changes in the moulds.

http://www.svsm.org/articles/revell707/revell707.html

Friday, November 20, 2009

1/144 Rafale 'B' Conversion by Senworks (update)





An interesting 1/144 Rafale 'B' Conversion kit by Senworks, produced for the Model show in Erding it is a Limited Edtion.

It contains the extra pieces to make the two seat version, with new floor, seat and binnacle.
It also comes with the option of solid or vac-form canopy. A new spine and decals are included.

If you have interest, there may be some available if you hurry?
http://senworks.wordpress.com/

Available: NOW
Price : 7- Euro + shipping!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

1/144 C-130 & F-4 by A-Model (update)


1/144 C-130 & F-4 by A-Model (update)
==============================

more sprue shots and instructions can be found >>here @ Modelimex <<

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

1/144 Zero Fighter A6M5 Model 52 / 52a Kou - By Sweet


1/144 Zero Fighter A6M5 Model 52 / 52a Kou - By Sweet ==========================================

OK, please don't hate me but i have been keeping a secret from you...
Sweet are to release the Zero Fighter A6M5 Model 52 / 52a in two different editions!

- First Pack Type in November 2009
- Second Pack Type in December 2009 (Homeland Defence option)


That means if you play your cards right and have been a good boy all year, Santa might bring you one to the end of you bed come Christmas time!?
.
Price 1,200 Yen
.
Expect the usual high quality model kits (2x per box) and a extensive range of decal options.
If your lucky, MYK-Decals may also have some after market ZERO decals for you too!?
.
rememember to write (dont forget your name & address) before its too late to:
Father Christmas, Northpole, Lapland!
or , in the UK.
Santa, Reindeerland, SAN TA1 (trust me you'll get a response!)

Monday, November 16, 2009

Project 144 10th Exhibition - Official Gallery @ Fumi (Updated)



Please see FUMI blog for gallery details:
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/fumi_bnr32/59154705.html

IKE Galleries for extra gallery details:
http://ike.egoism.jp/SoraIke/html%20FILE/Photos/exhibition/2009%20P144/index.htm
http://ike.vivian.jp/wordpress/2009/11/project144.html
http://ike.vivian.jp/wordpress/2009/11/project144

DAMEYA Galleries:
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/yuunagi_dameya/GALLERY/gallery.html
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/yuunagi_dameya/31638134.html


A high standard of presentation as usual, also many garage kits you never can buy ;-(

1/144 CG Dynamix (CGD) Diorama & Wargame




1/144 CG Dynamix (CGD) Diorama & Wargame

CGD have released a new range of interesting 1/144 items, while these are aimed at 'wargaming' i think they could work equally well as diorama or display pieces.

For the Panzerturms, at last you have a purpose for all those spare can.do Panthers!?

The Panther turrets are not included, and obviously if you felt inclined you could use turrets from other tanks. One of the Panzerturms is designed as "Berlin: Last Days of the Reich" and the other as a "west wall" piece, I think it would also be possible to use these as 'Cold War' fortifications as i think similar constructions were used in Switzerland, Czechoslovakia and other Eastern Bloc Counties!? Or, maybe ata push - A Golan Heights Compaign?

http://www.nahverteidigungswaffe.de/Regelbau687-01.htm

http://worldwartwozone.com/10744-panzerstellungs-pantherturms.html
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/pzkpfw-v-panther-its-variants-14571-5.html


The Bridge system is interesting as there are various starter packs and extension packs available, obviously a combination of these packs could make for an a) interesting or, b) long bridge.

Finally, there is a nice little bunker (88mm not included)

these can be found on CGD ebay store.
http://stores.ebay.com/Combat-Group-Dynamix

Sunday, November 15, 2009

1936 Swiss Fighter Proposal !




http://www.e-pics.ethz.ch/index/ETHBIB.Bildarchiv/ETHBIB.Bildarchiv_Dia_240-191_30044.html


Who said the Swiss are no good except for Cheese, Cuckoo Clocks and Bureaucrats?

Take a look at this fighter design from 1936 as designed by Chief Engineer J. Branger.

I think it is one of the best looking aircraft I have ever seen, sleek and elgegant but still retaining that hunters poise and latent power!

I hope JACH, Anigrand or F-Toys are watching!!?

Friday, November 13, 2009

1/144 F-Toys Euro Jets - Specials!? (update)


1/144 F-Toys Euro Jets - Specials!?
==========================


*** Series Special = JASDF Eurofighter! ***
>> here << class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok..., Its not quite that straightforward - but there are some teaser shots!

Colour Variants for the Typhoon(Eurofighter), Mirage and Tornado.
hree specials.

1. Mirage 2000 Tigermeet markings
2. Tornado Italian airforce
3. Typhoon JASDF

available: December 2009

I would imagine the Mirage is easiest to find a real picture for? however, I have looked on google and couldn't see one - i would think though, its the kind of scheme you may recognise from your photo collection if you have it???

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/6/7/2/1377276.jpg

http://blog.sina.com.tw/231/article.php?pbgid=231&entryid=606697

Project 144 - 10th Exhibition!

Project 144 - 10th Exhibition!
=======================
Good news, it is the next Project 1444 Exhibition this Sunday in Tokyo.
Special event as it is the 10th Show the Project144 Team have staged/

See Fumi's Blog for more info if you happen to be in town this weekend!?
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/fumi_bnr32/59088762.html

Photos of the event should be forthcoming early next week, once everyone has had change to get back home and unpack!?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Anigrand Releases - November 2009 (upd)

Anigrand Releases - November 2009
------------------------------------------
A number of releases are now available from Anigrand.
See links below for parts photos:

Starwars Lambda Shuttle (+ Bonus) -
http://www.anigrand.com/AA6002_Shuttle.htm

Soviet Bison (+ Bonus) -
Escorts include:Yak-27K, Yak-28-64, LL-3
http://www.anigrand.com/AA4042_3M.htm

Luftwaffe Bomber Set -
http://www.anigrand.com/AA3004_B-bombers.htm

1/144 04064 F/A-18 D Hornet "Wild Weasel" - Revell.de


1/144 04064 F/A-18 D Hornet "Wild Weasel" --------------------------------------------------
New Revell kit of the F/A-18 D (based upon the 'C' Kit)
So, no need to look for the old Dragon kit, this should be available now?

Two decal types USMC & USN.

See here: http://www.revell.de/04064

see the manual: www.revell.de/manual/04064.PDF

1/144 E-8 "Joint Star" USAAF - Minicraft (update)




1/144 E-8 "Joint Star" USAAF - Minicraft
===============================

The last B-707’s produced were purchased by the United States Air Force and the U.S. Navy in the early 1990’s . The reliable 707 proved to be the ideal aircraft to carry aloft the newly evolving electronic command and control radar systems needed for modern warfare. The E-8 Joint Star has proven to be yet another integral component in the command structure of military forces for real time command and control of ground forces and theatre electronic surveillance.

Markings included in this kit are:

  • USAF E-8A JSTARS, 116th ACW, Georgia Air Guard
  • USAF E-8A JSTARS, 93 ACW, Operation Desert Storm, 1991

Suggested Retail Price: $39.99*

Available: Week of November 30, 2009

* * *NEW TOOLING * * *
it will be interest to see how it compares to the Revell E-3a Sentry?

Also Coming, December 2009

U.S.Air Force E-3A Sentry AWACS
C-137/C-18A Miliary 707

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10103240
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10103250

http://www.minicraftmodels.com/New05_1.htm#

E-3 Sentry AWACS NATO 50th Anniversary

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/min/kit_min_14611.shtml

Monday, November 09, 2009

1/144 Piasecki HUP-2 - By Miniwing







1/144 Piasecki HUP-2 - By Miniwing
===========================
An Early utility and resuce helicoptor uses by the US Navy and French Navy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piasecki_H-25
.
This is a nice clean and fresh kit with a good level of detail.
There is both inter cockpit features and interior decals (by Y-Kraft), the exterior declas cover both US & French usage.
.
You will notice a new procedure being added to protect some of the finer and delicate part in the kits, so there is less transportation spoilage. It will however require a littel bit more attention on behalf of the modeller.

The canopy is the usual vac-form option, with 2 pieces being supplied!

http://www.miniwing.cz/Piasecki_HUP2_Retriever

Available: Now
Price: 18- Euro

1/144 Henschel Hs-132 V-1 by Miniwing





1/144 Henschel Hs-132 V-1 by Miniwing
==============================
A reissue of the kit previously issued by FE-Resin, a nice little kit.

Its a fairly simple kits and should be a straightforward build. There are one or two fragile parts, but nothing a average resin modeller shouldn't be able to handle.

This kit actually has a solid resin canopy instead of a vac-form, but as the fuselage is hollow, you may wish to make your own and insert a prone position pilot! Decals for one scheme are also provided.

This kit has fine panel lines, and not many of them (so, if they don't show too well on the photos - its my fault not the kit). This is in part a reflection of the methods of construction used at this stage in the war on the various 'volks' projects. Also, everyone complains when there are 'canyons' running the length or a kit, so this should not disappoint!

This aircraft never flew, although the initial 3 prototypes where under construction when the war ended. It was intended more of a "dive bomber" against (originally to counter any seaborne invasion of Europe..., a bit late then?) and as the pilot was "prone" it aided taking high g-force loading, but made for poor visibility in key areas. it was envisioned to have a secondary role as an interceptor but not as core fighter.

Available: Now
Price: 12.60 Euro

www.miniwing.cz

Sunday, November 08, 2009

1/144 Antonov AN-2 "Colt" by A-Model






1/144 Antonov AN-2 "Colt" by A-Model
=============================
A new kit by A-Model and I can garentee you havent seen that many of these around in 144.

The Antonov AN-2 "Colt" is probably the most sucessful aircraft most people have never heard of?

It is the 'Volkwagen' of the skies with 18-20,000+ built since 1947 (only the C-130 has been built for longer, but in far less numbers @ less than 3,000) .

Pre-production sprues can be seen here, along with addtional images,
http://modelizm.pl.ua/publ/an_2_kolt_1144_ot_amodel/10-1-0-712

A rough translation indicated that there will be muliple issues/version of this kit (tbc?)
(Water or Ski version?, plus colour/decal options, as per A-Model usual operations)

It comes with a range of decals, of which some are frankly bizarre? Why the Nazi Luftwaffe decals when this aircraft entered prodution on 1947?

Another point of interest is the Photoetched panel, as it includes a nice cabin hoist!

more information in the AN-2
www.vectorsite.net/avan2.html
www.seqair.com//UnFalco.html
www.warbirdalley.com/an2.htm

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Remembrance Day, 11th November


11 - 11 - 11
Remembrance Day
""They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them...."
.
.
.
.
Common British, Canadian, South African, and ANZAC traditions include two minutes of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month because that was the time (in Britain) when the armistice became effective.
.
The Service of Remembrance in many Commonwealth of Nations countries generally includes the playing of the Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence, followed by the playing of Reveille (or, more commonly, The Rouse) and a recitation of the Ode of Remembrance. The Scottish Bagpiper's Lament is often played during the Service. Services also include wreaths laid to honour the fallen, a blessing, and National Anthems.[3]
.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ode_of_Remembrance
.
http://www.lastpost.be/index.asp
http://www.lastpost.be/mainpage.htm

1/144 Junkers W.34 by Senworks





1/144 Junkers W.34 Hau Resin Kit by Senworks ========================================
Tomtom sent me a mail about this guy and I think your going to like it too!
A great looking resin kit of unusal subject, and equally as important some prepared to have a go an produce a kit of of a subject that is close to their hearts! Decals are included.


This version Hau varient with the BRAMO engine as used by the luftwaffew for training pilots and radio operaters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkers_W_34

More Photos and contact details here:
http://senworks.wordpress.com/

Anigrand News




Anigrand News (winter 2009)
=====================
.
Shorts Sperrin - V-Bomber Insurance
You may remember the post on this blog in March 09 regarding the "Forgotten V-Bomber" the Shorts Sperrin? It has now been confirmed that the Sperrin and the bonuses revealed will be released shortly. It was scheduled for Winter 2009, if that still the case it should be long now!?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Sperrin
http://kampfgruppe144.blogspot.com/2009/03/winter-2009-another-british-bomber.html

+ P1127, Harrier Prototype
+ Short SB5, EE Lightning forerunner
+ Javelin FAW9 All weather interceptor


Beriev VVA-14M1P (M-62)
Another wierd soviet flying machine, part "WIG" ekranoplan and part Altitude Flyer!
It looks like it should be on "Thunderbirds"!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAk3kwXfEWk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Fb8bWhCKw
+ bonus aircraft (tbc)

Junkers EF.132
Another German Paper Plane, in so much it never got beyond wind testing. Some would maintain it influenced later Soviet designs as the materials and desgin teams were taken baxk to Russia.
http://www.luft46.com/junkers/juef132.html
+ bonus aircraft (tbc)