SCALE MODEL NEWS

Italeri's 1:72 scale Eurocopter AS 532 Cougar helicopter kit has received an upgrade to the moulds, and a four-country super-decal sheet. This looks like a worthwhile job and the revamped kit should make a useful addition to the helo’s fan’s build-list. Wide range of markings You now get decals for four air arms, those of Sweden, France, Spain, and Thailand. And if you want to add more you can, because the Cougar - an upgrade of the Puma - has been a big success around the world, with a user base totalling some 40-odd countries. Moulding quality Detail on this upgrade kit is really well done, though there’s always room for more, especially at the relatively small 1:72 scale. The pic of the Turkish machine ( below ), used for combat search-and-rescue, gives an idea of just how much fine detail there is on the full-size helicopter. It's worth pointing out that there are no crew figures supplied, so if you like humans aboard your helicopters, you will have to supply your own. Wh...

SMN REPORT: Tech-freak film fans can go loopy over the ace monowheel motorbikes ( above ) ridden by Agents J and K in the latest 'Men in Black 3' sci-fi saga. The movie is terrific entertainment, and a real “Want one” from the SMN Crew for those monowheel bikes. Back in the real world, Tamiya has a Yamaha Monster model for you... Monster sponsor The kit is the Tamiya Yamaha YZR-M1, in presented the markings of chief sponsor, the Monster energy drink outfit, its logo a memorable glowing ‘M’. Great design, not so sure about the drink though. The Yamaha is a 1:12 scale kit, which assembles to a fair size, even for a relatively small subject like a motorcycle - length 172 mm (6.8 in), width across the handlebars 56 mm (2.2 in). Packed with detail It’s the 2009 season bike we have here, and Tamiya has excelled with fit and finish, the 800 cc engine, frame, and suspension all passing muster in the accuracy department. Tiny screws are supplied to allow removal of bodywork sections if...

DAVID JEFFERIS REPORTS: The SMN Crew had a trip to London yesterday, and apart from rides here and there on standard buses, we also saw one of the prototypes of Mayor Boris Johnson’s ‘Boris Bus’, and have to report it looks amazing in the metal. Diecast Boris Bus The 1:76 Corgi version ( below ) is nearly with us, so it's wait-n-see time for this one. Judging from this promo pic, it looks to be an excellent little model, and one we'll definitely have on display ASAP. Airfix Old Bill bus The Boris Bus is only the latest type of London bus of course, and was a reminder of the old Airfix 1:32 kit that came in both civilian 1910 B Type and military 1914 ‘Old Bill’ versions. The Old Bill (below) was used for troop carrying and as an ambulance to take war-wounded away from the Front, to field hospitals. Dating from the early 1960s, these kits come up regularly on auction sites and swapmeets, so it’s worth keeping an eye out, as they are both well worth a look. The kits include crew a...

SMN REPORT: Here’s the second set of scale model pix, courtesy Revell-Germany, the Mercedes-Benz set ( above ) due for release in August. And also a reminder that RG’s Scale 2012 modelbuilding competition is open for entries until August 15.   SpaceShipTwo The one we’re really looking forward to later this year (November release) is the 1:144 scale SpaceShipTwo with the carrier plane WhiteKnightTwo. The kit is reportedly being developed with Hasegawa, and looks as weird in prototype model form as it does in reality. Scale astronauts please It would be rather good if a set of 1:144 scale astronauts came with it, though figures to this scale are a rarity. A modicum of interior detail would be desirable too, especially as there are so many portholes to peer into. Whatever, it’ll be a decent-sized model on display, the mother ship’s wingspan being some 297 mm (11.7 in). More good stuff Here’s a roundup of more Revell stuff, and note the winners. The ‘big red’ London bus, Junkers Ju 88,...

SMN REPORT: Target date for this year’s entries in the prestigious Revell Scale Modelbuilding Award competition is August 15, 2012. So if you want your talents recognized, here’s the chance. Ships old and new (above). Just count those oars!  Competition entries Revell has made the Scale 2012 competition wide open for subject matter, so you are free to choose your model kit and how you finish it. Entries do not have to be constructed stock, as the most important assessment criteria are creativity and attractiveness. So that leaves the field clear for everything from a simple but perfectly-constructed ‘from the box’ kit, to a major kit-bash with added genius ideas. Leonard da Vinci kits are major Revell production items. The winners First of all, there’ll be an expert jury review, to pre-select 10 of the best models in each category - adults or teens. These will then be presented to the public at the Leipzig Model-Hobby Fair in October, when visitors to the show will cast their votes...

SMN REPORT: The Spanish Lego fan Sheepo 2012 doesn’t seem to be too worried about the financial ups and downs of the Eurozone, maybe because he’s been hard at work building this 1:8.5 scale Land Rover Defender 110.  Details aplenty Sheepo’s scratch-built Land Rover Defender 110 not only looks just so, but he’s built in details that include a five speed gearbox, a two or four-wheel drive system, working suspension on all wheels, and disc brakes that yank it to a halt, pronto. The Defender has a fully-detailed chassis, and working radio control system. Building from standard parts Engineering student Sheepo has stuck to the rules where kit-bashed Lego models are concerned - that is, only standard Lego parts can be used throughout. Not that the rules are too onerous, as the Lego Technic system is about as comprehensive as you’re likely to get, this side of a Formula One racing outfit. Another Sheepo Lego masterwork, this time a 1960s-era Mini Cooper. Vote for the Defender We’ve incl...