SCALE MODEL NEWS

MOST MODELS LOOK ALL THE BETTER for the addition of some weathering and subtle dirtying. SMN report: Not too much weathering mind, as it's all to easy to overdo it. Here Geoff Coughlin provides a general look at techniques which can add a used look, without going over the top. It's worth inspecting the 1:48 scale Tamiya Bf109 ( below ) from the 'Decoration Series' to see the unique red-and-white markings of the Swiss Air Force. Good as the model is, a touch of weathering using the methods described by Geoff would improve it no end.

Now established as a mainstream manufacturer, China's Trumpeter has a fascinating range of kits, and here’s a ‘Lucky Seven’ listing of April 2014 releases. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA or PLAN) Type 051C (below) is a semi-stealth air-defence vessel, designed to operate as seaborne protection for China’s growing aircraft carrier fleet. One of currently 469 Chinese naval ships, the Trumpeter model is to 1:200 scale. The Cessna A-37A Dragonfly (sometimes nicknamed the Super Tweet) is a light-attack aircraft, dating from the Vietnam War era. Long-gone from US service, some 38 A-37s are still in service with six South American air forces. The Trumpeter kit (below) is to 1:48 scale and will come with full ordnance, tip tanks, and dorsal radome. The Russian BM-21 is a multiple-rocket launch vehicle, the Trumpeter kit (below) being to military-modelling standard 1:35 scale. The BM-21 is widely used across the world, and has been in dozens of conflicts since it was introduced in t...