By Philip Curtis | 03.01.2023 12:35
To any follower of motor racing history the Porsche 917 needs no introduction. The kit is available in several different versions including the 1970 Le Mans number 20 Gulf car that I have used. For this build I also used Studio 27 photo etch (PE) set, Renaissance Gulf decals (the Fujimi decals are notoriously translucent) and Renaissance PE. With both PE sets nowhere near all of the parts were used, the Renaissance set in particular was mainly left on the fret....
By Claudio Kalicinski | 09.01.2017 11:45
The main reference I consulted to build this kit was the Grumman F7F Tigercat book (Vol 1y2) by Adam Jarski from AJ Press, but first of all I’d like to advise you to get rid of the tyres supplied with the kit since they have the strange quality of attacking the plastic, melting it just when coming into contact, so don’t keep them….you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.
By Martin Klein | 06.11.2017 10:54
The Model Factory Hiro kit is a full detail all metal version and most parts are packed in a plastic box so that they are not damaged during transport. MFH recently increased the price significantly but after inspecting the content of the kit I think the kit is definitely worth the money. The M2 is the last of the ’84 versions that has been released by MFH and so many parts are carried over from the early versions. The M2 was only raced in the last 3 races of the season in Italy (Monza), European GP (Nürburgring) and Portugal (Estoril). With the kit you can build the Monza version. (For the races in Portugal and at the Nürburgring the front wing was changed from the delta shape to a square version similar to the one used the following year on the 156/85)
By Pablo Raggi | 11.17.2015 11:12
Since time ago, I’ve been thinking to add a wheeled vehicle to my Middle East vehicles collection. Looking for an interesting kit, I found the Revell Gaz-66 (ref.03051), which is also marketed by Eastern Express. However, after investigating, I realized that there were just a few versions to accomplish Quite apart from the soviet green, there was not much to play.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 12.17.2014 19:41
Nowadays, There are not a great many 1/12 car model kits available. Perhaps, you may find some, from Doyusha, Fujimi, Tamiya, Monogram, Revell, around the Internet. From my point of view, the 1/12 scale has some disadvantages with respect to the 1/24 scale, these models size and the apace they take at the time of being displayed either in your house or at exhibitions; besides one must be extremely careful with the details, since they will be more visible.
By Guy Golsteyn | 11.28.2014 10:50
Before opening the box, I advise you to take some time to admire the beautiful artwork decorating the box. True artists produce time after time gorgeous illustrations at the Tamiya factory, reflecting a perfect image of how beautiful a model you will find inside. On condition that you are willing to invest some time and effort of course. And to help you I will try to guide you through the building process to achieve this goal.
By Mario Covalski | 09.13.2014 18:53
In December 2004, I published an article about the 1/12 Tamiya Caterhams, based on two customized models I had built during 2004. By then and since 1993 that this kit was released, I had eight custom built Caterhams and with variants on the original subject manufactured by Tamiya. It’s not my intention to repeat all the introduction you can find in the note published in 2004, I invite you to read it > Here. Now, after three years, I decided I would finish some projects I had started, and in this note, I will share with you all about them with the help of good pictures. Though this is not a high technical content article as the one written in 2004, where I explain how every detail was accomplished, I hope it helps to encourage scale car modelers to build some of these beautiful kits.
By Guy Golsteyn | 07.23.2014 12:22
A year or so ago, Tamiya re-issued this famous 1:6 kit. Before that re-issue it used to be a very expensive and rare kit, now it suddenly became very reachable and looking at my Honda CB750 history I just had to get this one. Today has come the day that I decided to start building it. It wasn't an easy decision, because building the kit also means losing it as a kit. But ok, kits are designed to be built and not to be collected...
By Fabio Bonilla | 07.15.2014 10:56
To carry out this model, I got the Tamiya Mitusbishi Lancer VII WRC (item 24257) and the 1/24 Lancer WRC 05 transkit from Studio 27....
By Mario Zagami | 06.11.2014 12:47
We are talking about the 1/48 Academy (#2179) Peashooter kit, comprises 89 parts one of which is the clear part. It also includes decals to build three versions: two of the 94th Pursuit Squadron 1935-36 and 19th Pursuit Squadron Hawaii 1940. Though it is not a “tamigawa” kit, it’s good, including basic details and appearing dimensionally correct. It offers high quality injection molded parts without flashes, featuring recessed panel lines. The following article describe the construction and improvement made in the kit in order to get an accurate and more detailed model.
By Alessandro Prini | 01.15.2014 21:07
I have already admitted I do not like the Enzo and, less than ever, now the Fxx. Difficult, in my opinion to build something more ugly, but this car is pure technology and the E.Jan transkit sounded immediately like an interesting challenging project. Once studied the contents, I opted to replicate the Fxx lifted on air jacks, wheels off and doors opened. Obviously with the engine well visible.
By Guy Golsteyn | 10.09.2013 11:34
I have been collecting all the 1:20 Tamiya F1 kits since Tamiya started producing them back in 1978, but the McLaren M23 was missing from my collection because I had the clever idea to trade the finished model for a bow and arrows once I finished it. So I have been looking for it since ages, until I discovered Ebay some 25 years later. I paid quite a high price to complete my collection with the one missing kit, but it was the very last that I needed, so what the heck.
By Nicolas Perez Fiorentini | 08.02.2013 11:07
The model I built represents the motorcycle in the first five races of the 2004 championship. In this model I added all possible scratchbuilt details, no etched parts, resin ones…etc. In the article below, you will have a clear explanation about how I made and added every new part, cable, electronic box,…etc
By Claudio Kalicinski | 07.23.2013 10:35
The model represents a Sopwith Strutter built by Ruston, Proctor & Co. Ltd in 1917 and delivered to the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) on August 7th 1917. With a Clerget 9z 110hp powerplant was sent with the 43 Squadron to the Lozinghem aerodrome at Flanders, Belgium, for reconnaissance missions and ground attack (as the tactical marking, the triangle, indicates). After seeing service in Belgium, it returned to England on September 29th 1918. My goal when writing this article, is sharing with you my experiences in building a vacuform model and encouraging others to give one a try. Though many of us (modelers) have one or two vacuform among our kits to build, most seem to be reluctant to build those kits, in spite of the fact that they’re really good, comprising metal, etched and resin parts plus a good decal sheet.
By Pablo Raggi | 07.19.2013 10:11
The M3 Scout Car(s) that Israel received from France and Italy together with the M2, M3, M5 and M9 half tracks in the early 50’s, would see service on several combats and also suffer many modifications.
By Pablo Raggi | 02.21.2013 13:47
By Mario Covalski | 12.01.2007 10:27
Looking through my old editorials, trying to decide which topic to deal with this month, the idea suddenly came to me. In fact, it was there since time ago, but as usual, human beings can’t see the wood though being inside.
By Modeler Site | 12.01.2007 0
By Pablo Martelli | 11.01.2007 12:03
When I decided to build a late King Tiger (final version), I chose the King Tiger “late production” from Dragon (Ref #6232). It’s one of the last releases from Dragon with this mould. This box includes late style drive sprocket and also the new pattern track.
By Eduardo Andreoli | 11.01.2007 11:41
The only Churchill kit in injection molded plastic is the old mold coming from Tamiya.. Nowadays not only IMA from Hong Kong, offer excellent conversion kits for this model but also Cromwell Models offer new complete resin kits for the great many variants but, both options are more expensive than the Tamiya kit. If we want to face a straightforward project, we may try converting a Churchill Mk VII into an early model with little effort and some plastic.
By Claudio Kalicinski | 11.01.2007 11:32
The model represents the Nieuport 17 flown by Charles Nungesser while he was attached to the Escadrille Lafayette (Nº124) during July 1916. With this aircraft, Nungesser shot down an Aviatik reconnaissance aircraft over Seuzey, France on July 21st 1916....
By Mario Covalski | 11.01.2007 10:23
In the editorial of September 2007, I wrote about model detailing, focusing on how many details should be added to our models and my point of view on the topic. This time, I would like to call the attention of the patient readers of my editorials on another relevant issue within our hobby: the model's historical truthfulness or accuracy.
By Modeler Site | 11.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 10.01.2007 11:52
Every month, Modeler Site has an editorial note as part of its contents. Editorials are the way for us the publishers of MS to express our ideas and opinions about certain modeling subjects. At this point, I must say that literature and writing is not one of my strong points, but I've been reading magazines, books, and almost all kinds of publications dealing with my likes, since I was very young. I'm saying this because, for what I know, editorials, signed or "anonymous", are not compromised with any idea, except when there is a political intention.
By Modeler Site | 10.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 09.01.2007 15:25
This month I would like to come back to a key subject in today's modeling, at least this is my feeling and it's what happens to me. How much detailing do we add to our models …. And what do we wish to achieve?
By Joel Rydh | 09.01.2007 11:46
In recent years we’ve seen more and more of interesting and colourful liveries in MotoGp. In my opinion this is much welcomed as it is something that has been standard in the 250 series for quite some time. The teams behind Valentino Rossi has been ahead of their time in many areas, including art work, racing remembered liveries as the 2001 Mugello and 2003 Valencia ones. In 2004 I think we saw a break through with full season liveries of this kind, when the Pramac Ducati team entered this lovely magnolia scheme.
By Eduardo Andreoli | 09.01.2007 11:41
Since time ago, I’ve spent my free time building exclusively models from the Vietnam War (just American and Australians) and vehicles that saw service in North Africa during WWII (allied and axis). After so many years devoting to this subject, there are just a few models I’ve not built yet, this is why I’m always searching for new information about kit conversions of vehicles which there is no commercial kit available around the market. And, if I find a picture of a vehicle that doesn’t exist in my collection, I start to think about facing that project.
By Juan Jose Dominguez Calvo | 09.01.2007 11:34
Several weapons systems received their baptism of fire during the Falklands War in 1982. One of them was the BAe Harrier. The international analysts didn’t have too much confidence in the aircraft, even some jocose comments such as that the Harrier was not capable of carrying a box of matches and hit the target on a football field. They were mistaken. As it was demonstrated, the aircraft fulfilled the expectations and became a referent of the CAS (Close Air Support).
By Modeler Site | 09.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 08.01.2007 15:17
Ever since the man gathered into social groups, a huge number of rules were established to indicate how to do things the right way. According to those rules, an individual is good, honest, healthy, happy…or not.
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo | 08.01.2007 10:15
The flying bomb Fi-103 or V-1). The Me 262 W2 was materialized in the program “Heimatschutzer I “(homeland defender I). It was a rebuilt, Me 262 A-1a (W.Nr. 130186) with a Walter HWK 509 “cold” rocket engine on its tail. This last retained its Jumo turbojet engines under the wings. Finally, the W3 should have been powered...
By Modeler Site | 08.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 07.01.2007 15:15
In the past editorial, I spoke about modelling as a creative process, explaining then, my way of thinking. Now I want to come back with a new reflection, about what superdetailing represents for me, and about the pressure it means to modelers.
I want to emphasize that I understand that it's not the same superdetail an aircraft model, car, armor...etc, and of course, scale is also an important fact, so I'll concentrate on cars subjects, that is what I best know about.
By Davide Negretti | 07.01.2007 12:11
Second consecutive precious chance to verify the efforts of the firm Studio27, again a very recent release. It’s a multimedia kit, according to the Manufacturer standards, curbside version. As usual, the quality of any single component is not bad. The bodywork, made of grey resin, shows a fine surface, rather clean, no air bubble or distortions are present. Engraving is not perfect and somewhat on the soft side. Shape seems well captured.
By David Guardia | 07.01.2007 11:35
The AFV kit is the old Skybow mold; it’s an excellent plastic kit easy to work with, featuring some fragile parts, any kind of glue may be used here. It offers nearly no flash, and though there’s a little problem of fit with the chassis and body, it’s easy to solve.
By Modeler Site | 07.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 06.01.2007 15:11
I think that human beings are subjective by nature, and speaking in terms of tastes, everything we like, may not be objectively, the best or most proper. I could give hundreds of examples from cigarettes, clothes…and so on.
By Modeler Site | 06.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 05.01.2007 15:07
A couple of weeks ago, talking to a modeler, he told me that he was suffering from something that English- speaking modelers call AMS (advanced modeler syndrome); a kind of obsession that leads them to count even the rivets of each model to check if the number (and shape, of course) match to the real thing.
By Giovanni Galvan | 05.01.2007 12:02
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 05.01.2007 11:16
Gunze Sangyo offer us two high quality kits, good plastic injection and excellent fit, but unfortunately comprising not a great deal of details, just the bare essentials. Nevertheless, parts are made out of top quality plastic with no flashes, showing a few mould marks which can be easily removed by sanding.
By Modeler Site | 05.01.2007 0
By Modeler Site | 04.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 03.01.2007 15:03
Around the end of January, I was talking about modeling with a friend of mine, owner of a small business of resin kits. It was a pleasant chat about models, projects, etc, steering to the little time we have to spend on building models, when suddenly he asked me a question and both of us were stunned…”¿When did you last purchase a kit, arrive home and start building it?”
By Modeler Site | 03.01.2007 0
By Modeler Site | 02.01.2007 0
By Mario Covalski | 01.01.2007 12:12
For the last 20 years, I’ve read countless articles, editorials…etc about the scales, Which is the best one?, which is the best for us?; etc; most of the notes I read were technical ones, explaining how and the reason of each scale, pros and cons; etc.
By Modeler Site | 01.01.2007 0
By Thomas Halvarsson
By Giulio Marrucci
Basically is a good kit, but if you want “make the difference” you need the photo etched parts dedicated to the Essex Class, produced by the Golden Medallion, providing reels, stairs, radar antennas, all the aerial and a lot of many other details like undercarriage doors covers, landing gear struts etc...
By Mario Covalski
By Giovanni Galvan
By Juan Jose Dominguez Calvo
By Grant M Vogl
By Davide Negretti
By Davide Negretti
By Davide Negretti
By William Toledo Ferreira
By Pablo Martelli
Tamiya, Dragon and AFV Club (in chronological order) have not only a reference for this vehicle but also for the different versions of the 251. Dragon moulds have been improved version after version, correcting some errors the first editions of this kit featured. Anyway, as they’re not big mistakes, perhaps, we’d rather ignore them, unless we aim to do the “perfect model”.
By Martin Klein
The kit has the usual quality known from Iritani and is a mixture of resin, metal and plastic parts. The main body, the wings and the engine air duct are made of resin, the engine and rear suspension are plastic parts (from 70s Tamiya kits). The wheel rims are turned metal parts and the tyres are rubber parts. Together with white metal parts for the wheel centres and front suspension, steel wire for further suspension elements and etched brass sheet metal parts for wing end plates and other car details the kit provides all ingredients for a great Formula 1 kit of the 70s.
By Giovanni Galvan
By Gregory Hansel
When my friends Branden and Joan bought an 07 300C a few months ago, I thought it would be a nice surprise for Joan (the primary driver of the car) to present them with a scale replica of their new ride. I worked with Branden to get the information I needed such as color, interior colors and trim. The only limitation I had was that the AMT kit was an 05, not an 07 but the differences are minor so I went with it. During our discussions he said he wanted larger wheels but Joan didn’t. I asked if he wanted me to build a second car to his specifications and like that, I was building two. I then decided I couldn’t build these two cars and ship them off to my friend leaving me with nothing but pictures so I decided I may as well build three and keep one for myself....
By Erik Fontein
By Eduardo Andreoli
By Mario Covalski
By Mike Parr
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
In early 1944, the design office of Willy Messerschmitt’s company put forward a proposal for a rocket-boosted version of the Me 262. This had the Walter HWK 509 A-2 rocket engine mounted in a jettisonable fairing beneath the fuselage. This proposal was further..
By John Horst
By Andrew Cham
By Giovanni Galvan
By John Horst
By Alessandro Prini
By Alessandro Prini
By Alessandro Prini
By Carlos Pfarr
By Carlos Massuh
By Massimiliano Piacentini
By Gergo Marosi
By Gergo Marosi
By Mark Jones
By Dan Parrat
By Giovanni Galvan
By Jorge Juarez
By David Guardia
By Giovanni Galvan
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
German engineers studied, through several experiments carried out during the WWII, all possible configurations for towing conventional aircraft assembled to form a composite flying machine. This was the original idea for the Mistel composite. But the....
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Giovanni Galvan
By Jorge Juarez
By Giovanni Galvan