Saturday, October 29, 2016

1/144 PLA Type 22 Missile Boat - Trumpeter


1/144 PLA Type 22 Missile Boat - Trumpeter

The Type 22 (NATO designation: Houbei class)[6] missile boat is a ship class in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The first boat was launched in April 2004 by the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard at Shanghai. The boats incorporate stealth features and are based on Australian-designed wave-piercing catamaran hulls that are more stable than other fast missile craft in high sea conditions.[7] Approximately 83 of these missile boats are currently in service with three flotillas having been produced over a span of seven years.[1]

Pakistan has shown interest in the craft and plans to build them domestically in the Karachi Shipyard.[8]

The Type 22 fast attack craft are China's entry into a growing list of missile-armed attack craft which include Finland's Hamina class missile boat, and Norway's Skjold class patrol boat. The Australian AMD cataraman design may mean as much as a 50% reduction in vessel speed penalty in high sea conditions (in which monohulls may only perform at half or less of their maximum capability). Further, seasickness and disorientation is significantly reduced, improving the combat readiness/situational awareness of the small-craft operators during such conditions.

In addition to the stealthy polygonal-designed superstructure with its stealthy gun mount, the Type 22 has an advanced C4 datalink[4] that may represent some kind of capability to allow AWACS planes or other ships to vector the Type 22's missiles.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_22_missile_boat

Available from usual stockists:
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/TU00108




Friday, October 28, 2016

1/144 O-1 Cessna "Bird Dog" - Miniwings

 

1/144 O-1 Cessna "Bird Dog" - Miniwings

The Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog was a liaison and observation aircraft. It was the first all-metal fixed-wing aircraft ordered for and by the United States Army since the U.S. Army Air Forces separated from the Army in 1947, becoming its own branch of service, the United States Air Force. The Bird Dog had a lengthy career in the U.S. military, as well as in other countries.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_O-1_Bird_Dog


Miniwing are back, and with a number of changes!
This is the first in a range of all plastic injection kit and features a new packaging design/

Currently available with 10% pre-order discount and free shipping!
http://kits-shop.com/miniwing-plastic-1-144.php


Description:
14 Clear plastic parts
Canopy mask
Decals for one Aircraft

Cessna TO-1D BIRD DOG / USAF
American Liaison and Observation Aircraft
http://www.miniwing.cz/cessna-to-1d-bird-dog.html



Cessna L-19 / Chilean AF
American Liaison and Observation Aircraft
http://www.miniwing.cz/cessna-l-19.html






Thursday, October 27, 2016

1/144 Sikorsky XPBS-1 VS-44 Flying Boat - Anigrand


1/144 Sikorsky XPBS-1  VS-44 Flying Boat - Anigrand

The Sikorsky VS-44 was a large four-engined flying boat built in the United States in the early 1940s by Sikorsky Aircraft. The VS-44 was designed primarily for the transatlantic passenger market, with a capacity of 40+ passengers. Three units were produced: Excalibur, Excambian, and Exeter.[1]

Development 
In the early 1930s, the primary mode of long distance air travel over oceans was in flying boats, due to the ease of constructing docking facilities on shore without having to construct runways, and the possibility of malfunction forcing a sea landing. One flying boat designer was Russian immigrant Igor Sikorsky who had founded Sikorsky Aero Engineering Company when he came to the US in 1919. In 1930, his company became a subsidiary of United Aircraft.

XPBS-1 patrol bomber 
In March 1935, the United States Navy was making plans for a new patrol bomber that would have increased performance and weapon load capability from their newly procured Consolidated YP3Y-1. Prototypes were ordered from Sikorsky in June 1935 and Consolidated Aircraft in July 1936. Sikorsky's entry, the XPBS-1 (Bureau Number 9995), made its first flight on 9 September 1937, the Consolidated XPB2Y-1 on 17 December of the same year.
The XPBS-1 was evaluated by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1938, but the Navy contract went to Consolidated. The XPBS-1 remained in naval service, temporarily operated by Patrol Wing Five at Norfolk, Virginia in 1939, then by Patrol Wing Two at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, until it was finally assigned to transport squadron VR-2 at Naval Air Station Alameda, in 1940. On 30 June 1942, the XPBS-1 hit a submerged log upon landing at NAS Alameda. Among its passengers was CINCPAC Admiral Chester W. Nimitz who suffered minor injuries. One member of the flight crew, Lieutenant Thomas M. Roscoe, died. The XPBS-1 sank and was lost.[2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_VS-44

http://www.anigrand.com/future_releases.htm





Wednesday, October 26, 2016

1/144 Launch Ramp for Bachem Ba-349 "Natter" - Brengun



1/144 Launch tower for Bachem Natter - Brengun

A very fined example of the launch ramp for the Bachem Natter,
Consisting of photo etch and resin parts, designed to be used with Brengun kits (Natter not included!)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachem_Ba_349
More images of the launch ramps/pads can be found here: http://www.deutscheluftwaffe.de/Bachem%20Natter

Launch Tower:
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/BRS144031

Bachem Ba-349A Natter (two in box)
Catalog number: BRP144001
http://www.brengun.cz/e-shop/1-144-plastic-kits-32/bachem-ba-349-a-natter-(two-in-box)-1225
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/BRP144001

Bachem Ba-349 M52/M58 (two in box)
Catalog number: BRP144002
http://www.brengun.cz/e-shop/1-144-plastic-kits-32/bachem-ba-349-m52-m58-(two-in-box)-1226
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/BRP144002




or, for a slightly easier build...

PanzerFabrik has prepared a 3D printed alternative (designed to be used with Brengun kits, Natter not included!) which is available on Shapeways:
http://www.shapeways.com/1-144-launch-tower-for-bachem-natter



other Natter Posts:
http://kampfgruppe144.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=natter&max-results=20&by-date=true

Sunday, October 23, 2016

1/144 Diorama Bases - Coastal Kits



1/144 Diorama Bases - Coastal Kits

Bases are constructed from durable, hard wearing 3mm Foamex board, printed with the latest odourless latex ink onto laminated matt vinyl for near photographic quality, giving a permanent and waterproof finish which unlike paper products will not lift or bubble.

The cover a number of historical periods and nationalities.

Airfields
http://www.coastalkits.co.uk/newstore/1-144-scale-airfields.html?page=all

Naval Aircraft Carriers, including a 2.2 Metre USS Nimitz Carrier deck!!
http://www.coastalkits.co.uk/newstore/1-144-scale-carrier-decks.html?page=all

Heli Decks
http://www.coastalkits.co.uk/newstore/1-144-helicopter-landing-pad-2.html

Sci-Fi 
http://www.coastalkits.co.uk/newstore/sci-fi-c151.html

also available via e-bay (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/coastal-kits?_trksid=p2047675.l2563)

Plus various other categories,











Saturday, October 22, 2016

1/144 Horten XVIIIB-2 - "Project Amerika" - Fantastic Plastic


Horten XVIIIB-2 (1945) German Luft '46 "Project Amerika" International Bomber Concept

The XVIIIB-2 was the last of the Horten Brothers' "Project Amerika" flying wing bomber designs submitted in response to the Luftwaffe's late-war attempt to build an intercontinental bomber that could strike the U.S. mainland from Europe.

Purportedly developed in part with Messerschmitt and Junkers engineers, the bomber resembled the Lippisch DM-1 in that it featured a huge tail with the cockpit contained within it. The plane would have been powered by six BMW 003 turbojets contained within casings below its wings. Defensive machine guns were also placed within its nose and rear fuselage.
About the Model
Scale: 1:144
Number of Pieces: 39
Pattern: Scott Lowther
Casting: Millennial Models International (MMI)
Decals: Canuck Models

Available here : http://fantastic-plastic.com/horten-xviiib-2---catalog.html
Price 80 USD + Shipping




1/144 DOUGLAS GAM-87 SKYBOLT MISSILE Conversions Set - AIM



1/144 DOUGLAS GAM-87 SKYBOLT MISSILE Conversions Set - AIM
The Douglas GAM-87 Skybolt (AGM-48 under the 1962 Tri-service system) was an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), equipped with a thermonuclear warhead, developed by the United States during the late 1950s. The UK joined the program in 1960, intending to use it on their V bomber force. A series of test failures and the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) eventually led to its cancellation in December 1962.[1] The UK had decided to base its entire 1960s deterrent force on Skybolt, and its cancellation led to a major disagreement between the UK and US, known today as the "Skybolt Crisis". This was resolved during a series of meetings that led to the Royal Navy gaining the UGM-27 Polaris missile and construction of the Resolution-class submarines to launch them.  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GAM-87_Skybolt)

Designed for use on Vulcan kits, could be used for B-52s??

The conversion set consists of:
                        - Two Douglas Skybolt missiles
                        - Two tailcones for the missiles
                        - Two pylons
                        - A set of waterslide decals.

http://www.aim72.co.uk/page186.html



1/144 Lockheed C-141 Starlifter - Roden



1/144 Lockheed C-141 Starlifter - Roden

In the late 1950s the USA's fleet of transport aircraft contained outdated planes with piston engines, such as the C-118, C-121 and C-124. The newest was the C-133 with turboprop engines, however the military authorities wanted to acquire jet-powered transcontinental cargo aircraft, as the US military presence in various conflict zones around the world necessitated quick delivery of military supplies to distant countries. In 1960 there was a competition to design such an aircraft, the winner of which was the Lockheed firm. Designated the C-141A, its first flight took place in 1963, and in 1965 airplanes began to flow to the military from the production lines. At this time the war in Vietnam was already running high, and the USA had to speed large amounts of equipment there for the army. The situation was critical as well because C-133 machines had been taken out of service at the same time due to structural fatigue. Initially 132 machines of this type were ordered, and later their number was increased to 284. The project was very ambitious - more than 12,000 engineers and others in more than 1,300 plants in the USA and Canada took part in it, more than 5,000 people from just the Lockheed firm being involved.

One of the significant limitations of the first production model was the relatively small volume of its cargo cabin: although capable of lifting 32 tons, the aircraft could only accommodate a 22 ton payload. This prompted Lockheed to make changes to the design, and so 271 C-141A aircraft were converted to C-141B configuration. The rebuild continued from 1977 to 1979, when these machines were returned to active service, which lasted nearly 20 years. The capacity of the design, which was significantly strengthened, was doubled. The C-141B took part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, but it was their last major operational use. Structural wear took more and more planes out of service, and they were replaced by the new C-17.

The C-141 is remembered since for having one of the lowest accident statistics from flight incidents. Additionally, a number of world aviation records were achieved with it - dropping a parachute landing platform of 15,900 kg, and lifting cargo with a total weight of 31,800 kg.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_C-141_Starlifter

http://www.roden.eu/HTML/325.htm

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/ROD325

 Decals for65-0257, US Air Force, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March AFB, CA, mid 1990s. This aircraft now on display at Wright Patterson Air Force Museum, Ohio.

1/144 RAF SE.5a vs. Albatros D.V (Dual Combo - VALOM


1/144 RAF SE.5a vs. Albatros D.V (Dual Combo - VALOM 2 of Each Kits)

The description read this providing 4x Kits in total, and is reflected in the slightly higher price of their two kits combos.

Future Releases @15GBP
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/VAL14418

1/144 Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion \ MH-53E Sea Dragon - Aviation Fighter Series



1/144 Sikorsky  CH-53E Super Stallion \ MH-53E Sea Dragon - Aviation Fighter Series 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_CH-53E_Super_Stallion
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. As the Sikorsky S-80 it was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, adding a seventh blade to the main rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. It was built by Sikorsky Aircraft for the United States Marine Corps. The less common MH-53E Sea Dragon fills the United States Navy's need for long range minesweeping or Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) missions, and perform heavy-lift duties for the Navy. Under development is the CH-53K King Stallion, which will be equipped with new engines, new composite material rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin.

Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion 
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 (HMH-465) "Warhorse" based at Miramar,Calif.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMH-465

Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (VMM-264) "Black Knights" at New River, North Carolina
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMM-264


Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon


3x Dioramas of LHD  (U.S. NAVY Wasp-Class amphibious assault ship)

http://www.s14avfs.com/aviation-fighters-series-volume-5






1/144 High Spec Series 5 - F-35A by F-Toys



1/144 High Spec Series 5 - F-35A  by F-Toys

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II
he Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters undergoing final development and testing for the United States and partner nations. The fifth generation combat aircraft is designed to perform ground attack and air defense missions. The F-35 has three main models: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) variant. On 31 July 2015, the first squadron of F-35B fighters was declared ready for deployment after intensive testing by the United States Marines.[10][11] On 2 August 2016, the U.S. Air Force declared its first squadron of F-35A fighters as combat-ready.[12]

The F-35 is descended from the X-35, which was the winning design of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin. Other major F-35 industry partners include Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney and BAE Systems. The F-35 took its first flight on 15 December 2006. The United States plans to buy 2,457 aircraft. The F-35 variants are intended to provide the bulk of the manned tactical airpower of the U.S. Air Force, Navy and the Marine Corps over the coming decades. Deliveries of the F-35 for the U.S. military are scheduled to be completed in 2037[13] with a projected service life up to 2070.[14]

F-35 JSF development is being principally funded by the United States with additional funding from partners. The partner nations are either NATO members or close U.S. allies. The United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Turkey are part of the active development program;[15][16] several additional countries have ordered, or are considering ordering, the F-35.

The program is the most expensive military weapons system in history, and it has been the object of much criticism from those inside and outside government—in the US and in allied countries.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10419937