Dust Game KV47-B Natasha Mecha

Image Credit : Dust Game

This model comes from an alternate WW2 boardgame "Dust". The game is based on WW2, with alternate reality combining science fiction, supernatural and mecha.  The model is scaled in 1/48.

The KV47 Walker is a versatile new walker for Dust Tactics! While the SSU once lagged in walker technology, they have since developed the KV47, a walker platform capable of trading blows with any opposing armor. This impressive machine can be fielded in three different variants: the Nadya, Natasha, or Natalya. 

Whether you want to field the Nadya with its Sulfur Throwers, the Natasha and its 45mm Howitzers, or the Natalya featuring twin Circular Saws, there is a KV47 for any situation. Take command of this devastating SSU walker! 

Source: Board Game Geek

Image Credit: Front Toward Enemy

There are a lot of mecha involved, especially as infantry units.

For those of you interested in a little more info on the good ol’ 47, check out the images below. These are pretty old and much like the Axis Luther some names have changed. (Originally the KV 47 B “Natasha” was known as a “Koshka" named for the hero Koshka.) 

Source: Front Toward Enemy

The KV 47 is part of a family of six medium walkers. Note, that SSU refers to the Soviet Union / Russia.

The KV-47 variants give the SSU six medium walkers with remarkably different roles. From close-combat only to artillery, all the walkers can perform their tasks admirably with a caveat or two. 

Don’t expect range from these ladies. Four of the six variants have 16″ or less range. The other two have 24″ range and artillery. I have discussed Nikita and her awesomeness before so that won’t come as a shock to anyone paying attention. Natasha brings a 24″ Howitzer on the field, but for the most part KV-47 variants get up close and personal. 

Source: Dust Warfare

A very interesting take on alternate reality of WW2. Definitely good to take this up, once in a while.

Source:

• AFV News

S3A Viking Italeri 1/48 Build by Tony Dill

The S3A Viking served with the US Navy in the 1970s and well into the early 2000s. It was primarily build as a submarine warfare aircraft, but later developed into a multipurpose mission aircraft. This particular build is from the Italeri kit, which is based on ESCI kit in 1/48 scale. The aircraft modeled is the CAG plane of VS-38

The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-seat twin-engine jet aircraft that was used by the U.S. Navy to identify and track enemy submarines. In the late 1990s, the S-3B's mission focus shifted to surface warfare and aerial refueling. The Viking also provided electronic warfare and surface surveillance capabilities to the carrier battle group. A carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, multi-mission aircraft with long range, it carried automated weapon systems, and was capable of extended missions with in-flight refueling. Because of the engines’ low-pitched sound, it was nicknamed the "Hoover" after the vacuum cleaner brand. 

Source: Wikipedia

Check out the featured photo article over at Military Modelling website and his build story on the Military Modelling Forum.

Ethelian build of Eduard 1/48 Flanker

Su-27 Flanker is Russia modern jets that are famous for its Cobra Loop manouver. It is also one of the most popular export jets from Russia. It is similar to the US Air Force F-15.

The Modeling News has a build story on Flanker jet. It is based on Eduard 1/48 scale model.

The build story was split into three parts:

1. Fitting the Flanker - Eth's build of the 1/48th Eduard Su-27 Pt.I
2. Fitting the Flanker - Eth's build of the 1/48th Eduard Su-27 Pt.II
3. Finished Fitting the Flanker - Eth's build of the 1/48th Eduard Su-27

Definitely a beautiful build and the build story are worth reading to check for accuracy.

Su-7 Fitter Cold War Warrior by Richard

The Su-7 Fitter is a low level fighter jet. Built initially as an air superiority fighter, however it found use in ground attack and fighter bomber roles. Highly praised for its ruggedness, similar to the American A-10 Warthog.

Richard build the Su-7 into an all metal finish. It is in 1/48 scale and use the kit from ESCI.

You can find more photos over at Military Modelling coverage "Richard's 1/48 SU-7 Fitter".

Reference:

• Sukhoi Su-7 :: Wikipedia

Image Credit : Military Modelling

Snatch Land Rover Reference Photo

Robin from Military Modelling has a great set of photos of Snatch Land Rover taken during REME Open Day in 2012. Thus, the photos are quite new. As Robin pointed out this reference can go a long way with Airfix 1/48 Snatch Land Rover kit.

Click on the link for more photos : Snatch Land Rover...

Airfix Merlin HC3 in Afghanistan First Look

Military Modelling has a first look at the Airfix kit of Agusta Westland Merlin HC3, part of Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. It is in 1/48 scale.

The details of the kit is amazing, with a large number of airframe stencils to apply. Some stencils are for interior details, so planning is required.

Head over to Military Modelling "AgustaWestland Merlin HC3 in 1/48..." for details.

Image Credit : Airfix

Tamiya 1/48 IL2 Shturmovik by Tony Dill

A great built by Tony Dill over at Military Modelling. He built Tamiya 1/48 IL2 Shturmovik.

The Ilyushin Il-2 (Cyrillic Илью́шин Ил-2) was a ground-attack aircraft (Shturmovik) in the Second World War, produced by the Soviet Union in very large numbers. In combination with its successor, the Ilyushin Il-10, a total of 42,330 were built, making it the single most produced military aircraft design in all of aviation history, as well as one of the most produced piloted aircraft in history along with the American postwar civilian Cessna 172 and the Soviet's own Polikarpov Po-2 biplane, sometimes seen side-by-side with the big armored Ilyushin design on the front lines. The Shturmovik is regarded as the best ground attack aircraft of World War II. It was a prominent aircraft for tank killing with its accuracy in dive bombing and its guns being able to penetrate tanks' thin top armor. 

Source: Wikipedia

Tamiya is well known for its accuracy and precision fit. So it should be an easy build for both newbie and expert modellers. The kit itself was released sometime after May 2012, so it is quite new.

The kit has 156 components moulded in grey plastic, with a further 10 transparent items. There’s also a polythene cap and a set of self-adhesive canopy masks - so useful for achieving a decent non-wobbly result on the canopy framing. Tamiya has supplied decals for three different aircraft. 

Source: Scale Model News

For more photos, check out Tony's 1/48 Shturmovik at Military Modelling.

Eduard Limited Edition 1/48 Top Falcons

Eduard is well known for aftermarket parts. It has also released kits under its own brands. The latest January 2013 release is 1/48 F-16 A Falcon. It has markings for five aircraft, from the Top Gun and U.S. Air Force Flight Center.

Production is limited to 1500 boxes. Head over to Eduard website for ordering.

News Source: Euro Model News

Trumpeter 1/48 Albatros Revelation

The Albatross is a floatplane, very popular and is in wide spread use around the world. Trumpeter has been promising this kit since 2010, on their catalogue. It looks like it is coming soon.

IPMS Phillipines was sent a test kit revealing the Trumpeter Albatross kit. They have listed all the sprues and will soon be creating a review of the kit.

Go check out IPMS Phillipines websitehttp://ipmsphilippines.com/test-shots/trumpeter-148-hu-16-albatross/.

News Source: Euro Model News.

Hobby Boss 80387 1/48 F4U-4 Corsair Late Version

Hobby Boss has updated its F4U Corsair with the late version. It is in 1/48 scale. This particular aircraft did see action late in 1944, and mostly in Korea. The markings inside the box are for two Marine Corps aircraft in the 1951 and 1952.

Vought WWII-Korean War era inverted gull-wing carrier-capable fighter, later production '-4' variant with flat windscreen. Kit features engraved panel lines, well appointed cockpit (including control linkages), fully detailed R-2800-18W radial engine, cowling with chin intake, separately molded control surfaces, positionable flaps, choice of extended or folded wings with wing-fold mechanism and internal wing structure, machine gun bays (with ammunition chutes, completely detailed landing gear, 2-piece canopy (with new tool flattened windscreen), drop tanks (x2) and 5" underwing rockets (x8). Decals and painting guide for 2 US Marine aircraft: BuNo 96845 'WS18' of VMF-323 onboard USS Sicily, June 1951 and BuNo 97208 'WR13' of VMF-312 onboard USS Bataan, May 1952 - includes instrumentation and propeller markings. 

Source: The Toy HQ

The Corsair earned the nickname "Whistling Death" and "Ensign Eliminator".
Why?

The Corsair has a wingspan of 12.48 m, is 10.26 m in length and can fly at an altitude of almost 13,000 meters. The aircraft was developed for U.S. Navy as fighter-bomber in 1939, was deployed as a fighter and night fighter in the Korean War and after being withdrawn from service was sold to the French air force by the Americans. At the beginning of World War II, the killing machine with the charm of a Carl Bark's duck was considered the most feared American fighter by the Japanese air force. After all, her tearing speed enabled her to easily compete with the jets of the sons of the rising sun. Two of her nicknames say a lot about her character: On the one hand “The Whistling Death“ - endowed because of the murderous high-pitched sound it made on approach caused by airflow through the wing-root oil coolers. The carrier crew associated it with the whistling sound of the Grim Reaper. Another nickname was “The Ensign Eliminator“: At the start, the F4U developed such an enormous torque, that inexperienced pilots could not handle the aircraft without being initially thrown off course. 

Source: Hangar 7

I have to say, the F4U is an ugly but effective aircraft. Its wing design also sets an example that is followed by aircraft serving aircraft carrier today. It is considered by many to be a classic aircraft worthy of addition to your collection. So, visit your favorite local hobby shop or check out Amazon for availability.

News Source: Euro Model News

RODEN 1/48 Pilatus PC-6 Floatplane

Pilatus PC-6 is a single engine aircraft, developed in Switzerland It was first flown in 1959 and due to its STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capability, together with great all-around performance, enjoy widespread use. It was used by military branches of the world, as well as law enforcement agencies.

Roden is releasing its latest Pilatus PC-6 B2/H4 Turbo Potter Floatplane in 1/48 scale. There are in total 4 Pilatus PC-6 released by Roden, this is the first one that depicts the floatplane configuration.

There is marking for N908PL, belonged to San Jose Sharks Team, Costa Rica, 2004-2005.

For those interested in this model, go to your local hobbyshop or check with Amazon.

References:

1. Euro Model News
2. Wikipedia
3. Roden Models

1/48 Mirage 2000 from Italeri

The 1/48 scale is gaining popularity, with manufacturer building aircraft and armor scale models in this scale. Another new release from Italeri in this scale is Mirage 2000.

It was the mainstay of French Air Force and exported to other countries as well. The Mirage 2000 is slowly being replaced by Dassault Rafale. Egypt, Greece, India, Peru, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Qatar are buyers of the aircraft.

And of course, for those of us who read comics, will be familiar with the comics "Les Aventures de Tanguy et Laverdure". Mirage aircraft are commonly depicted in the comics.

Reference:

1. 1:35/72/48/24 Italeri News

Steyr Type 1500A/01

The Steyr Type 1500A/01 is an Austria made light truck, used extensively by the German Army in World War II. From Western Front, Russia to North Africa. It saw use primarily as a staff car, however it has found many variants, special for different usage.

The 1500A series Steyr was produced in Austria between 1941 and 1945 and was used in several capacities by Axis forces. The primary vehicle version was produced as a large 4 wheel drive staff car but the basic chassis system had several different body styles bolted to it. The most commonly found types were the 6 person command car, the eight person infantry carrier and the light cargo truck. These were not the only version produced however, the light truck version was also used as an ambulance and a field radio vehicle with specialty boxes placed on the aft chassis. Early in the production run the cabs were of all metal fabrication but as materials became scarce the light truck variants were switched over to the wooden ‘Ersatz’ cab. This was a fairly generic boxy cab that was placed on many different manufacture drive systems.  

        The Steyr utilized an air-cooled 3517cc eight cylinder engine and a four speed manual transmission. The front axel could be disengaged for high speed travel on finished roads. It was reported that in rear wheel drive mode on good roads the command car could reach speeds of 90 kph and off road in four-wheel drive mode could top out at 45 kph. The Steyr featured an independent from suspension and a rigid rear axel with semi-elliptic leaf springs. By time production ceased in 1944 approximately 12450 vehicles of all versions had rolled out of the Austrian factory and another 5600 were manufactured under license at Auto-Union's Wanderer factory at Sigmar and Audi at Zwickau in Germany. Today there are many surviving examples of these vehicles and it is not unusual to see them show up in the movies. Most recently a Steyr 1500 Infantry carrier showed up in the 2001 production of “All the Queens Men” and a light truck 1500 in the made for TV 2001 movie “Uprising”. 

Source: Swannys Model

I found Tamiya have these models on their catalogue. They are available in 1/48 and 1/35 scale. With Tamiya, you can expect excellent build quality, building one of these will be an easy task. Amazon list the 1/48 from a third party for $29.26. Quite a good deal.

How good is the model in its finished form ? Well, apart from drooling over in the Tamiya catalogue, you can check out this beautiful finished model from StuG. You can find more photos on his personal website. You may also want to check out his build progress in his blog archive.

Do not forget to check out the references section after the photo. There are interesting information in those links, if you intend to purchase / build one.

References:

1. Tamiya: 1/48 Military Miniature Series No.49
2. Tamiya: 1/35 Military Miniature Series No.305
3. Kit Review : Tamiya Steyr Type 1500A/01
4. Making German Steyr Type 1500A/01 (TAMIYA)
5. Amazon : Steyr Type 1500A/01 Military Vehicle 1/48 Tamiya
6. STuG Armoured Fighting Vehicle .......Steyr Type 1500A/01.......

Tamiya Matilda Queen of the Desert in 1/48

This July, we should see the Queen of the Desert, Matilda from Tamiya released in 1/48 scale. Previously it was only available from Bandai.

Details from the official website:

This is a 1/48 scale plastic assembly model of the British Matilda previously available in 1/35 scale. Historical background: The Matilda was developed as a heavily armored infantry tank and was one of the British Army's main tanks in North Africa during WWII. The Matilda swept aside opposing Italian tanks and was respectfully called the "Queen of the Desert" by German forces. During Operation Battle axe to lift the siege of Tobruk in June 1941, German forces famously used their 88mm AA guns in the anti-tank role as they were the only effective counter against Matildas.

Source

Kit Length=127mm
★This is a 1/48 scale plastic assembly kit model of the British Matilda infantry tank.
★The heavily armored form of the Matilda has been accurately reproduced.
★The cast metal surface texture on the turret and hull have also been realistically depicted.
★Assembly type tracks recreate realistic sag effect.
★Commander torso figure and 3 marking options included.
★Metal chassis weights enhance the model's presence.

Source

The kit was announced during Shizuoka Hobby Show back in April 2012. Other releases includes:

• 1/48 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik
• 1/48 Type 22 Zero Fighter "Tora-159"
• 1/35 Elefant
• 1/24 Toyota 86
• 1/6 Yamaha Motocrosser YZ250
• 1/350 IJN Heavy Cruiser Chikuma
• 1/700 CV5 Yorktown

Source

The 1/48 Matilda is based on 1/35 Matilda, released in 2009. The 1/35 Matilda was a 300th kit release from Tamiya. Here are some links that I have found for those of you interested in learning more about the Tamiya Matilda:

• In Box review Matilda Mk. III/IV (1:35) :: Armorama
• In Box review Tamiya 1/35 Matilda Mk. III/IV Infantry Tank :: Military Modelling
• Tamiya Matilda Options (1/35):: Missing Lynx Forum
• Tamiya Matilda (1/48) :: Missing Lynx Forum

Since the 1/48 Matilda is based on the 1/35, those links will come in handy. Especially the Missing Lynx Forum on 1/35, it discussed the modification needed to build an accurate model.

Overall, right now, it is the best Matilda on the market and a great addition to the growing 1/48 AFV world.

Tamiya New Kits from Nuremberg 2012

Tamiya announced at Nuremberg Toy Fair, it will releasing a 1/48 JS-2 Model 1944 ChKz tank with availability in May 2012. Tamiya also re-releasing 1/35 M-10 Tank Destroyer and 1/35 M-36 Jackson. There is also a "Limited Edition" 1/35 German Steyr 1500A Kommandeurwagen with HQ Staff Set with 7 figures.

For a full official new releases, check out Tamiya Nuremberg page by clicking here. Tamiya is a well known brand in the plastic scale model world. It always provides high quality product. Its pricing may be at a premium, however it is well worth the money in quality produced.

Source

1/48 F-16N TOP GUN

Check out this outstanding camouflage from Indonesian modeller Alex Sidartha.

Read all about his painting tips at Aircarft Resource Center.

Excellent work!!!