SCALE MODEL NEWS

REVELL HAS PRODUCED A 1:24 SCALE KIT of this most famous of German cars for many years. However, this latest kit is a brand-new updated version, with more detail and accuracy than the earlier offering. Mat Irvine:  The new Revell Volkswagen Beetle Limousine kit represents a 1968 model-year car, though the basic style and design lasted for many years. The kit features a full interior, a detailed air-cooled engine for the rear, with an opening engine hatch. There’s also an opening boot lid in front, though the interior is oddly bare - there should be at least a spare wheel inside. However, the four main wheels rotate, the tyres are of thin vinyl, and many parts are chrome plated, such as the tiny front grilles, front and rear indicator and lamp housings. Parts layout ( below ). Note alternative dashboards are supplied ( bottom left ). There is a multi-piece interior with separate side-panels, individual front seats and rear bench. Small details, such as the roof-mounted grab handles ...

STANDING IN THE VAST CORNFIELDS of northern Illinois is the Fermilab, the world’s second largest particle accelerator. Much of Fermilab lies underground, but in the huge Wilson Hall, a 1:87 scale model displays how a massive piece of equipment was delivered.  Mat Irvine: Fermilab used to be the biggest of its kind, until the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) was built at CERN, Switzerland. But Fermilab’s scientists still perform sterling work, and the facility is now homing in on elusive and short-lived particles, such as muons. Aerial view of the Fermilab site ( below ) showing the position of the huge accelerator ring. The Wilson Hall is visible at the 10 o’clock position. Much of Fermilab is underground, but the landscape above is dominated by the Wilson Hall ( below ), a 16-storey high-tech structure that combines administration, offices, and various science facilities. Inside the Wilson Hall atrium ( below ) complete with plants and national flags. Just to the left, beneath th...

FANS OF THE CLASSIC FLINTSTONES CARTOON series can now enjoy this latest kit release from the Lindberg line. Mat Irvine:  This is a reissue of one of the very few ‘star cars’ issued by Lindberg. It’s a simple kit, with the components presented in ‘Snap it’ snap-together format. Of course, a drop of cement is always advantageous, to make sure those parts really hold together tightly. As is customary now, the box base ( below ) and side list additional details. This Flintmobile represents the live-action 1990s movie version, though the figures shown on the box are from the 1960s cartoon TV series. The Flintmobile is moulded in a tan coloured plastic ( below ) so can be built up without painting. But a touch of colour makes for a better-looking result, and presents an opportunity to exercise such useful skills as dry-brushing. Box, instruction sheet, and card diorama ( below ). The latter item gives the kit a real lift. I painted the wooden chassis rails, seats, steering wheel an...

MODEL RAIL SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED with easily available ready-made buildings and trackside equipment. Is it model-making though? Maybe not if that's as far as a train set goes, but when dioramas are concerned, it's a different matter. Lee Carnihan:  The detail and artistry that goes into researching model rail scenes, painting backdrops, designing and making the scenery means that they are still a hit with people of all ages. And now with digital equipment for operational control, they’re becoming more impressive than ever.  Nicely done detailing ( below ) with this tractor, carried as a load on an 0n30 layout. 0n30 is a neat solution to space issues. The locos and rolling stock are traditional 0-gauge, but can run on 00/H0 gauge track, effectively making 0n30 a narrow-gauge format. The biggest provider of 0n30 stock is Bachmann, which makes a variety of beautifully detailed products. One of the largest model rail displays in existence is at Wunderland ( see video at botto...