SCALE MODEL NEWS

SMN REPORT: Is this a subject for maritime modellers or aircraft builders? We don’t know the answer (though suspect it’s probably both) but either way, these Chinese Navy illustrations have surfaced on the internet and, concept or not, the cat-carrier is just made for an impressive what-if miniature display piece. It’s not known if this is a genuine project for the expanding Chinese Navy, but the idea seems to be a quantum leap-and-a-half above anything being conceived elsewhere. Multi-purpose design A catamaran design isn’t so crazy, as it offers huge capacity and stability, plus twin flight decks that allow takeoff and landing ops to be carried out at the same time. The space between the hulls would come in useful, offering servicing facilities for submarines and amphibious landing craft. Kriegsmarine cat Not that the Chinese are unique in thinking about catamaran aircraft carriers, as scale modeller Halsted Morris conceived a what-if World War II German Navy version some time ago. L...

SMN REPORT: More temptation for you helo fans, in the form of this eye candy from Revell, showing build-up pix of the 1:32 Sea Lynx Mk 88, and very handsome it looks too, especially in the optional anniversary markings shown here. About the kit Due for release in time for Christmas, the 1:32 scale Revell Sea Lynx measures some 415 mm (16.3 in) long, with a rotor diameter of 401 mm (15.8 in). There are plenty of parts to keep you busy, 265 in all, with optional weapons that include pairs of homing torpedoes and Sea Skua missiles.  What’s inside With these big-scale kits, Revell goes to great lengths to satisfy detail-freaks like us. Here’s a list of what to expect when you open up the box: * New mould. * Fine surface detail, recessed panel lines. * Interior includes textured side walls. * Cockpit with instrument panel, realistic seats. * Sonar system with system racks. * Nose section has correct radome and antennas. * Pilots doors optionally open, sliding side doors. * Detailed land...