Dameya.net and New Releases!
Dameya has relaunched his website http://www.dameya.net/ for Domestic Japanese customers, with a more modern layout and sophisticated features.
However, fear not, outside of Japan you can still order via Dameya's Shapeways Store! His latests models are both old favourites and new items to 1/144 (and possibly wider scales?)
1-144 Eastern Express (selected) 2012 Releases
Eastern has been busy over 2012 issuing a number of kits featuring aircraft produced by Russian manufacturers!
Antonov AN-12B (the Russian "Hercules")
Antonov AN-30B
Antonov AN-24/RT
I seem to have over looked the Tu-134 UBL (Trainer for the Tu-160 Bomber for which there are a number of kits and upgrades). Any one interested in the Tu-134 should also look at the "small stuff conversions" for the Zvezda Tu134 (review)
1/144 Junkers Ju-52 'Airliner' & Photoetch Set - Eduard
When announced a month or so back, it did seem a little curious, however here we have the first in a possible range of issues for 'Airliner' Variants of the venerable Ju-52.
I think you all know about the Ju-52 so I won't dwell on that. However, D-2527 was registered to Lufthansa and was a tribute to WWI Manfred Von Richtofen and was used as a one of the personal transports of another WWI Ace although known more notoriously with his role as head of the Luftwaffe - Hermann Goring.
Painting this properly could be a task and a half ( link )
To coincide with the release of this kit Eduard are also to release an eye watering and finger boggling inter photo etched set (to be available at additional cost) to fit out the interior of the kit.
1/144 Junkers JU 52/3m Balkan Campaign 1941 - Hobby Master
More shots of the final production issue this item previously discussed at KG144 BBS ( link ), it would appear that the colour scheme has been rectified to some degree...
We have not featured anything from Matuo Kasten for a while, but he has been busy creating some impressive items. One of the most recent of which is a comprehensive kit of the M1A2 TUSK2 (Tank Urban Survival Kit 2) a masterpiece in resin!
The M1000 Tractor and M1070 Semi Trailer are available as seperate kits, and are not included with the M1A2 TUSK2 kit.
Please also be reminded that Matuo Kasten does a range of other kits for modern US Armoured Fighting Vehicles as well as a range of modern and historical aviation and combat vehicles and is happy to ship worldwide, in addition they can also be found on Radjapan and HLJ websites. It must be notes that the Matuo Kasten kits are not for the Novice some experience is required to maximise the result.
1/144 Radar Tower - Sankei
Another item in the great range of architectural dioama pieces from Sankei of Japan
High quality pre-coloured laser cut card making for easy assemble and no crooked scissor lines!
Again, at 34USD its not cheap, but it will be well engineered and if it what your looking for!?
It looks like 2013 will see Zvezda expand its "Art of Tactics" gaming range in two ways: a) expanding the "Great Patriotic War" series, b) adding "Modern Era" Series. The benefit of this is we get some more 'cheap and cheerful' 1/144 aviation kits!
Polikarpov Po-2/U-2 ( wiki )
Henschel Hs.126 ( wiki )
Fairey Battle ( wiki )
1/144 Grumman F11F-1 Tiger - Minwing
The Grumman F11F/F-11 Tiger was the first supersonic, single-seat carrier-based United States Navy fighter aircraft in operation during the 1950s and 1960s. Originally designated the F11F Tiger in April 1955 under the pre-1962 Navy designation system, it was redesignated as F-11 Tiger under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system.
The F11F (F-11) Tiger origins can be traced back to a privately funded 1952 Grumman concept to modernize the F9F-6/7 Cougar by implementing the area rule and other advances. This Grumman company project was known as the G-98, and by the end had departed totally from the Cougar
The F11F/F-11 was used by the Blue Angels flight team from 1957 to 1969. Grumman Aircraft Corporation made about 200 Tigers, with last delivered 23 January 1959.
On Sep 21, 1956 Grumman test pilot Tom Attridge shot himself down in a graphic demonstration of two objects occupying the wrong place at the same time—one being a Grumman F11F-1 Tiger [138260], the other a gaggle of its own bullets..
The kit conforms to the Miniwing signature format and feel being cleanly cast and no obvious air bubbles. The panel lines on fuselage are very finely cast and provide a good balance between finesse and detailing, the undewing lines are a little more defined but do convey a lot of detail. A single set of decals is provided for VA156, based on the USS Shangri-La, 1958 and a clear resin canopy.
Under wing pylons are provided, but no weapons or stores so these will have to come from your stash or Oz-Mods?
Available: January 2012
Price: tbc
From Miniwing or Usual Stockists
1/144 Me-163s and Scheuch Slepper - Matti`s Mini`s
Matti's Mini's has been working on a number of interesting items, two of which that have caught my attention are the Me-163s and the Scheuch Slepper.
The Me-163s is a training version of the regular Me-163B with the rocket motor and fuel tanks removed enabling the installation of a second seat and revised canopy in order that pilots could learn critical landing skills. Interestingly the Russians captured and test flew a number of these 163S variants after the war. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Me_163
The kit here is presented simply the take off dolley wheels, main fuselage and a canopy, as all three are in the FUD (Fine Ultra Detail) material from Shapeways it means the canopy is opaque However, I feel the reason why this piece is separate is that it may provide the option for a 'heat bashed' canopy to be made (this would require a little work then to add some interior detailing.
The Scheuch Slepper is a more unusual device, design to assist in the handling of the Me-163 on airfields derived from a pre-war agricultural 'tractor' it was adapted and with with a trailing wheel are tow rope or bar, or the one of two versions of a hydraulic trailer with either lifting arms or inflatable bladders, the former and one most commonly associated with this aircraft. http://www.flickriver.com/photos/deckarudo/sets/72157629402189596/
The Schllepper should also work well with your Project Flieger Me-163B bonus kit, and may even be able to handle the Project Flieger Me-163C variant (although this is not confirmed to-date). It is presented here in three parts giving your the ability to configure the kit in one of two ways.
New products from CGD (CG Dynamix) Wargaming and Diorama Series, resin cast bases with supplied or optional upgrade pieces made from WSF or FUD shapeways parts.
Bauform 206 with 5cm Festungsgranatwerfer - Toburk (Summer) (ebay)
5 cm Kwk 39 Anti Tank Gun Emplacement (with Gun) Summer (ebay)
Do we have a new Heliborne Series coming soon, as spotted on the F-Toys photo gallery,?
A new mould AH-64D Longbow as shown would surpass the previous F-Toys AH-64 and The Doyusha releases. I would imagine we should see a US scheme or two and maybe some of nationalities, as for another helicopters in the series then more info is expected next week.....
1/144 U.S. M4A3 Sherman - by War Room
Item No.: WR-02 (Limited 200pcs)
ACI's War Room range is to be further expanded with a new Sherman Varient, the M4A3.
To launch this expansion there will be a limited edition item of 200 pieces of the Free French Forces "Fabert" Sherman.
1/144 DeHavilland DH Vampire FB.6 - Small Scale Models
We have waited a long time for a DeHavilland Vampire in 1/144 and now we have a nice FB.6 as provided here by Small Scale Shop. This version is optimised for Shapeways 'Fine Ultra Detail' material' (FUD) with a "White Strong Flexible" (WSF) version to follow shortly.
The FB.6 is an evolution of the F.1 that also flew in 1945 didn't enter service until 1946, thus becoming the second jet fighter to enter service with the RAF.The FB.6 was very successful and led to a "Sea Vampire" for Royal Navy use and was widely exported to over 30 countries. This aircraft would obviously look great along site your F-Toys Meteor, or hunting down those Me.262s!?
1/144 Gotha P.60a - Kampfflieger
Kampflieger is adding to his stable of Luft'46 Designs, with this Gotha P.60a with its under and over twin engined configuration and tricycle undercarriage (on a mini sprue for placement if your wondering why it looks a little odd above). Its low profile is due to its "prone" pilot position employed in some of the earlier Horton Trials and even the later Meteor F8 Prone Flight Tests.
1/144 SAAB 340 AEW&C S100 ARGUS - Foxone
The Saab 340 AEW&C is a Swedish airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft;a variant of the Saab 340 aircraft is designated S 100B Argus by the Swedish Air Force.
1/144 Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 (Armoured) 'Lufcik' - Kampfgruppe144
Following on from the previous Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 release in Dunkel Gelb, it is now available in a late war Camouflage paint scheme!
The History
The history of this vehicle begins on January 18 1945 when it was lost while trying cross the Pilica River in Poland, becoming embedded in the sandy river bed. This vehicle is probably one of several prototypes of this variant for which the production has never been fully accounted.
While the history of the Sd.FKz 8 series dates back to 1934, the evolution and history of this particular variant is undocumented. It clearly shares a heritage of the Sd.Kfz 8 which was designed as a standard tractor chassis for the purpose of towing the 88mm Flak Cannon (and other large guns), this one however having alternative configuration with an armoured body with 12mm steel plates.
This vehicle was of late war production and served on the Eastern Front with a Luftwaffe unit, probably tasked with providing AA Flak duties utilising the mighty 88mm.
Interestingly, the original license plate WL 323863 was still with the vehicle when recovered from the river and identifies it as Luftwaffe Vehicle. This plate also differs to the license plate seen in other SDKFZ8 DB10 variants of this type, thereby giving weight to the argument that there was more than one of this type.
The first attempt to extract this from the Pilica River in 1957 by Polish Military Engineers was unsuccessful. It’s not clear if the vehicle suffered further damage as a result of this action?
In 1999 a group of Military Enthusiast were able to extract the 18-ton Vehicle and reconstruction was completed in 2003. The engine was further renovated and the vehicle was able to move under its own power by 2005. It was during this restoration process that the vehicle acquired its nickname of "Lufcik".
Model Features::
This miniature has a range of interesting and unique features
1.Detailed Model
a. Detailed Exteriors, including MG.42
b. Detailed Chassis and Running gear
c. Detailed interior with drivers and crew compartment
2.Compatible with KG144 & CGD towing hook systems (will hook up PAK-43 etc...)
3.Digitally mastered and produced using state of the art 3D printing technology.
4.Made with strong and flexible nylon material, extremely durable.(note)
5.Individually hand painted and weathered.
Fact or Fiction?
Although only one of these beasts have been found it is thought to have had a short production run of 20 – 30 units in this configuration. What we can see is that one unit has been recovered and restored in Poland and a small number of photographs exist of this configuration deployed in the field.
No official records have been discovered to reveal how many of these vehicles were completed, and it appears that this example is the only one to make it past the scrap merchant and into a museum.
This restored vehicle can be seen at the Pilica River Heritage Park in Tomaszow, Poland where you can actually ride as a passenger during the Summer Events!
Interestingly, the original Maybach engine was thought beyond economical repair, so it was to be replaced with a Russian Truck engine. However, on inspection it became evident that the later period Russian engine had very similar design to the Maybach engine (possibly a Soviet copy of the Maybach design) this allowed for an engine to be restored incorporating much of the original transmission and many other elements of the running gear...
1/144 Hakwer Sea Hawk FGA.6 (MK.50)- Miniwing
Another great kit of a very successful design from the famous Hawker Company. This early jet aircraft was conceived towards the end of WWII, but did not enter service until 1952. Although original intended for the RAF which had to many jet types, it ended up in service with the Royal Navy, and also the served will with German, Dutch and Indian naval forces with over 580 being produced. It was finally retired from Indian service in 1983!
This kit from Miniwing is produced to their usual excellent standards and as nice clean lines, there is also a nice amount of detailing with regard to the panel lines, and should make an excellent addtion to your collection!
The kit contains 17 Resin parts, a small fret of PE parts, plastic rod, a clear cockpit canopy, instructions (not shown) and two decals schemes are provided as follows:
- 804th Squadron (Royal Naval Air Service), HMS Bulwark, Suez Crisis 1956 [1] [2] [3]
- 860th Squadron (Royal Netherlands Naval Air Service), 1960s
Alien Abduction! - Lucas Rizzi
I haven't spotlighted a particular diorama for a while, this one is quite fun and playful and is well executed.
OK, so most of its 1/150 - but its close enough in this context, I am sure you will enjoy the build pictures!
(the UFO is the E.V.E from Atlantis models, the remainder are Prieser and TakaraTomy items)
1/144 WWII German Bauform H667 Wargame Diorama Base - CGD
This new series combines the usage of the model both as a wargame accessory and as model diorama display. The GameDio base measures approximately 99mm (3.9 in.) Flat to Flat, which makes it sitting comfortably on common wargame Hex bases that measures 100mm flat to flat. It measures approximately 114mm (4.5 in. ) tip to tip. This is a two part model painted in Beach Painting Scheme. The top of the bunker opens for placement of anti tank guns and troops.
This 1:144 WWII German Bunker Bauform H667 is a simplified design based on the Bauform H667 used in Normandy Exit E-1, on Omaha Beach (D-Day). These bunker types were usually armed with 5cm Kwk 39/40 (coming soon form CGD). This model has enough room to up-gun to Pak43,and with crew:
Individually cast in resin, hand painted to the finest detail. 100% made in Hong Kong.
A perfect display base for your 1:144 wargaming and/or displaying your collection of Dragon or Takara WTM 1:144 tanks. Also suitable for N scale and 12mm models.
Also available in Summer, Autumn, Desert and Winter painting scheme, and unpainted too.
1/144 Willis MB Jeep Kits from Dameya
Dameya has released three great looking variants of the the classic Willis MG Jeep. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willys_MB
The kit, produced using the Fine Ultra Detail material via the Shapeways process.
I think the prefer the armored version....
Self assembly and painting is required.
1/144 GR-75 Rebel Transport "Star Wars" resin kit
I do not know if this a short run Japanese kit from an individual, small studio or piece commissioned from Anigrand? It is however a quite a rare Star Wars resin kit, well, I do not recall seeing one before?
The the finished model will measure 24.8" (63cm) long and 7.1"(18cm) wide, and has over 250 parts including 3 bonus kit.( Tie-aggressor, Cloud-car & Rebel troop cart all in 1/144 scale.)
1/144 Luftwaffe Ground Crew Set A + Set B - By CGD
New sets of 1/144 WWII German Luftwaffe Ground Crew comprising of Set "A" and Set "B" from the Authentic Soldiers series of CGD.
Set "A" contains:
2x Luftwaffe ground crew pulling a bomb dolly with a 250kg bomb,
1x empty bomb dolly, and
5x SC250 bomb.
Set "B" contains:
2x Luftwaffe ground crew servicing aircraft,
1x bomb dolly loaded with 250kg bomb, and
1x ground crew pulling a bomb dolly with a SC250 bomb.
Available in PAINTED or UNPAINTED figure packs!
Figures are modelled according to average Caucasian of height 5' 8" to 5' 10" (1.73m to 1.78m). Figure measures approximately 12mm when standing upright. Highly detailed, highly realistic and in real human proportion. NOT big headed cartoon-ish wargame figures!Digitally mastered, the soldiers are fabricated with state of the art "3D Printing" technology in ACRYLIC RESIN. TRUE 1:144 SCALE; Figure measures approximately 12mm when standing upright.
OzMods New Website!
Ozmods have relaunched their website with easier navigation and improved categorisation and grouping of products. So it will be even more easier to find those short-run kits and accessories, often with an antipodean slant! Paypal, also taken!
1/144 Lisunov Li-2 Russia Launch by DeAgostini
I am waiting for a bit more information on this one branded as DeAgostini (aka Amercom/Altaya) it has a whole array of Soviet and Russian aircraft I've never seen before even close to scale. I have highlighted the 1/144 known to-date and the 'close enough 1/150' scale items, there may be more in the unreleased items!
Armourgeddon UK Its been a slow news week, so here's me showing off with last weekend's 'Tank Driving' activities! Be sure to 'full screen' the You Tube clip for the full effect!
I had a great time driving this ex British Army AFV, a Turreted FV432 stationed with the 'British Berlin Brigade' of the 70-80s. (which at the time had a very unique 'urban camo' pattern)