SCALE MODEL NEWS

TIANGONG-1 IS THE NAME OF THE Chinese prototype space station, launched in September 2011. It was visited by several taikonauts (Chinese astronauts) up to 2013, but in 2016, ground controllers lost contact with the craft - and now it has plunged back to Earth. Most of Tiangong-1 burnt up during a fiery, uncontrolled re-entry, with surviving parts splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.   Mat Irvine:  For space model fans, it’s appropriate that this 1:48 scale Tiangong-1 model is made by the Shanghai-based GWH (Great Wall Hobby). In fact, GWH produces two separate kits, the Tiangong-1 ( header pic ) reviewed here, and a second offering ( below ) which includes a visiting Shenzhou-8 crew-carrying spacecraft. The GWH kit is a straightforward 32-part kit, reflecting the equally simple design of the real thing. The main structure is moulded in two halves, with a pair of large solar panels, which can be positioned as you wish. The docking collar is mounted on a conical structure, with ...

THIS KIT REPRESENTS an AMT show rod that was designed as a custom concept. First released in the 1970s, this new version includes a number of useful extras. Mat Irvine:  Flameout is another concept penned by John Bogosian, the talented designer who created a lot of original machines for AMT in the 1970s. The theme for this 1:25 scale kit is a fire appliance, with all the bells and whistles (literally) that you’d expect to find on such a production. The box art ( header pic ) is a reproduction of the original, with ‘Retro DeLuxe Edition’ and ‘Katch the Kat’ stickers attached to the transparent wrapper. The latter indicates that one in twelve kits are moulded with a body in metallic red. The components ( below ) include four runners, two of which are chrome-plated. The paperwork ( below ) includes instructions, mini-box, and card parts for the attractive and useful diorama base. The 'super expanded' decal sheet ( bottom left ) is more comprehensive than the original. The mini-box...

KIT-MAKER MOEBIUS MODELS has linked with Pegasus Hobbies, another company that releases many science fiction and fantasy subjects. Mat Irvine:  Frank Winspur, founder of Moebius Models, has passed the reins to Pegasus Hobbies. Pegasus is owned by Larry Thomson and Tom Macomber, and features kits that range from science fiction and fantasy, to figures, vehicles, and EZ Snapz models. However, Moebius will continue much as before, and present plans for new kits remain, so you should be able to get everything that Moebius has in the works. The aim is that the Moebius brand name will be retained, and in effect be run separately from Pegasus. Frank Winspur ( below left ) with Moebius New Products Manager, Dave Metzner. Part of the Moebius automotive range ( below ).   Moebius make both factual and fantasy submarine kits. The USS Skipjack ( below top ) and the TV star Seaview . Note the auto prototype at left.   Moebius Batman-related figures ( below ). Note the excellent paint...

HERE IS PART THREE OF BUILDING this highly complex triple-kit from Hong Kong-based Takom. Mat Irvine:  So far in SMN, I have covered the Takom  V-2 rocket with launch pad (in German, abschussplattform or ‘firing table’) and the Hanomag tow vehicle . Now it’s time for me to take a close look at the Meillerwagen transporter/erector. This is by far the most complex of the three builds, and Takom appears to have included absolutely every single bit of the Meillerwagen. You have six runners directly to build it, with some parts shared. There are also photo-etch brass components, a small decal sheet, and two lengths of chain. The finished Tacom trio ( below ) look excellent, the complexity of the Meillerwagen contrasting nicely with the simple V-2. A handsome piece of art ( below ) decorates the biggish box. The Meillerwagen does look rather daunting initially, but the instructions - at the beginning, at least - are very clear, and although many of the parts ( below ) are small and...

  THE 1:25 SCALE REVELL ANGLIA DRAG COUPE is a neatly presented blast from the past, for the kit goes back many years. Mat Irvine:  This is a welcome reissue of a Revell kit first released in the 1960s, and now presented with an SSP (Selected Subjects Program) roundel. Based on the British Ford E95A Anglia body, the real cars were popular as the basis for altered drag racers. The box photo depicts the dragster in action, and is the same pic used for the first release, around half a century ago. The box side ( below ) has useful reference photos of the assembled and finished model. Note the realism of the inner door panels.   The Anglia Drag Coupe is now moulded in white, instead of the the original red. A large chromed runner is supplied, though there’s no injection-moulded transparent plastic for the window glass. Instead, you get a clear sheet of acetate that has to be cut and trimmed to shape. This was a common procedure with kits of this era, and although, OK, it migh...

LOVERS OF THE OLD 'LOST IN SPACE' TV SERIES have something new to watch. It's the upcoming reboot, due to premiere online in ten episodes from Netflix on April 13, 2018. SMN report: The storyline is similar to the original 1965-8 series, featuring the Robinson family. Now they are part of a highly trained mission to establish a new colony in space, when their spaceship is unexpectedly pulled off-course, forcing them to crash land on a lost planet.  As the Netflix blurb declares, "Danger will find them." Let's hope that the series is a success, because we would like to see some kits and ready-builts of the machines and characters that will be appearing on our screens. In particular the new spacecraft looks good, as does the alien critter with the starry patterns in its faceplate. The trailer ( below ) looks enticing, not least because Netflix has gone for a somewhat older audience, no bad thing in our view. If the scripts and acting match the visuals, then we...