SCALE MODEL NEWS

SMN REPORT: Did you enjoy the classic sci-fi movie, Blade Runner? Did you laugh at the Back to the Future (BttF) time-travel trilogy? If so, we bet you didn’t know that Blade Runner’s Spinner cop car also appeared in the second BttF movie. And now here it is again, coming shortly as a 1:24 scale kit, from Fujimi of Japan. The latest Fujimi 1:24 scale sci-fi kit, simply titled ‘Future Car’ features a vehicle that’s said to be briefly seen in Back to the Future II - so very brief, in fact, that the SMN Crew fast-forwarded the DVD last night without spotting it. However, we live in hope and will sleuth some more tonight! Sleeker Spinner The new injection-moulded car is essentially a standard Fujimi Spinner kit, less police accessories such as the roof lights, though they are included in the box. As you can see from the box-top art (header pic), the overall look of the Future Car is somewhat sleeker than the police Spinner, so it’s none the worse for being minus some items. Parked Spinner ...

SMN report A useful release for 1:35 scale military fans is this group of five World War II Africa Corps infantrymen. The figures include an officer, NCO, rifleman, machine-gunner and loader. As usual with Tamiya, detail is precise and plentiful, with uniforms that feature goggles, boots, helmets and other equipment. 1:35 scale insignia decals from Cartograf Tamiya works closely with Italy's specialist decal company Cartograf, and this latest set is well up to the high standards that have won Cartograf so many clients in the scale model world. The World War II  German Military Insignia decals are for Africa Corps, Military Police, and Waffen SS uniforms, and there are medals and armbands, as well as insignia. There is also a beautifully produced 1:35 scale Africa Corps vehicle set here .

SMN report For lovers of World War I and big-scale aircraft models, here’s a gorgeous 1:32 scale kit from Wingnut Wings, the Sopwith Scout, or ‘Pup’, a single-seater that was much loved by its pilots. Some 2100 Pups were built during the Great War, and the Wingnut model builds into a very neat representation indeed. What’s in the box? The box features handsome art on the cover, while inside there are 128 injection-moulded plastic components and six photo-etch metal detail parts. The Cartograf decals that include markings for six different aircraft. Optional build items include different side and engine cowls, plus fuselage and upper wing. The LeRhone engine is a miniature masterpiece, while detail work throughout is good - just look at the sewn seams on the rear fuselage and the wood-effect around the cockpit. For the nimble-fingered model maker Wingnut provides a rigging diagram, and this of course sets the aircraft off a treat - in fact, it’s essential to make the best of a biplane t...