SCALE MODEL NEWS

Here’s a last look at the 2014 iHobby Expo, Chicago. It’s roundup time for the best of the rest, kicked off with this handsome 1:25 scale Ford Torino car kit. Mat Irvine reports: Games Workshop (below) with some of its larger scale models. The primary use for these is for gaming, or purely display. The Hawker Typhoon (below) is perhaps not the best known World War II aircraft outside the UK, but the new Airfix 1:24 scale model has been going down a storm.* Below, Iwata stalwarts Rob Schmitt (left) and Tom Grossman (right), either side of Iwata’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Brooke Cedros. Address any comments re: “A rose between two thorns…” to Rob and Tom! Minicraft continues issuing kits that no-one else has contemplated. 2015 will see (below) the Titanic’s sister ship Olympic and a new-tool 1:144 scale KC-135 Tanker kit. Under the MRC label, a 1961 US Presidential ‘Marine 1’ helicopter, the Sikorsky VH-34D used by President John F. Kennedy. Stephens International, another major ...

Attractive cgi visuals from Kitty Hawk trail the upcoming 1:48 scale Bell Huey Model UH-1Y Super Huey or Venom. SMN Report: Visuals like this give us a clear idea of what to expect with this miniature, slotted for near-future release, probably early 2015. Particularly pleasing (above) is the exposed engine detail, which will really give diorama fans a chance - imagine this helo surrounded my maintenance techs in a steamy jungle or sandy desert environment. The UH-1Y is now the standard US Marine Corps utility helicopter, so anywhere the USMC goes can be a subject for a model display. Ordnance (below) looks to be well provided for, with a side-mounted chain gun, rocket pods and sensor pod under the nose. All the doors open, allowing you to clearly see inside, providing plenty of opportunities for impressive interior paint and weathering. Closeup detail (below) looks mighty fine, so we are really looking forward to this kit, and especially to comparing its fit and finish, and general qua...

Although I would usually say that the automobile in all its forms comes tops in American modelling interest, I’m really talking about purely ‘static’ models. When it comes to anything that actually moves, that qualification has to go to model railroads. Mat Irvine reports: It was, after all, the railroads that opened up the expanses of the continent, long before the interstates were built or airlines started regular flights. Consequently, model shows almost always feature railroad displays, and iHobby 2014 was no exception. One of the largest rail-orientated companies is Bachmann, whose origins goes back well over a century - it started more than 180 years ago, in 1833, albeit making parasols and Spanish ivory combs. Bachmann's model rail history dates back to 1968. These days Bachmann keeps rail fans up to date with regular releases of items such as scenery components, rolling stock, and computerised systems. General view of the Bachmann stand (below) loaded with desirable goodie...

French publisher-cum-model producer Editions Atlas has some very interesting miniatures available at the moment. SMN report: A long-time staple of the Armee de l'Air (French Air Force) training fleet, the Alpha Jet from Editions Atlas is to 1:72 scale. The metal and plastic miniature is accurately produced, though it lacks the ultimate precise detail that you might expect with an equivalent injection-moulded kit. But it's a sturdy production, so should last for years on the display shelf, and certainly looks the part in neatly applied red, white and blue stripes. The gold tail lettering marks the 60th anniversary of the national air display team, the Patrouille de France (French Patrol). Facel was a French car manufacturer that lasted only a decade, from 1954-64, but in those years the company produced a handsome series of cars. The Facel Vega FV2 (below) was the car to be seen in if you were a 1950s French movie star, and this 1:43 scale open-top version is what we get from E...

Incoming, a mouthwatering set of models from Round 2, due for release over the next 12 months or so. Mat Irvine reports: Here’s another look at iHobby Expo 2014, with a second group of kits due from Round 2 Models. Below, a stand display shows the six brands now assembled under the Round 2 umbrella. Round 2 specialist car expert John Greczula built this bobble-head Kat (below) which was an AMT logo in the 1960s. The link is that one of AMT’s original advisors, Budd Anderson, was usually known as Budd ‘The Kat’ Anderson, or ‘The Kat from AMT.’ Budd Anderson (below left) with famed car customiser, George Barris. Note his signature and 'Kat' at bottom right. The car is George’s Ala Kart, kitted twice by AMT. This pic appeared in the 1962 AMT  The Model Car Handbook . The AMT and MPC car displays included a new-tool MPC General Lee kit. Although it is a snap-kit this time around - without separate engine - the bodywork is more accurate than the long-standing injection kit. Mind you...