SCALE MODEL NEWS

Dragon of Hong Kong has added a pair of 1:48 scale Apollo 11 kits to its excellent - and expanding - range of real-space models. Both kits are enlarged versions of previous spacecraft made to 1:72 scale. These big-scale spacecraft models are more or less straightforward enlargements of the 1:72 scale originals, so any comments on the smaller versions also apply here, but a bit larger! It also means that slight faults apparent in the smaller kits are somewhat enlarged here, but they still look the part. One kit into two Unlike the 1:72 kit, in which you got all the Apollo 11 modules - Command (CM), Service (SM) and Lunar (LM) - in a single box, here they have been split into two separate items, so one kit contains the Command and Service Modules (CSM), the other the Lunar Module. Bagged components for the LM, showing the landing leg gold finish. Slight changes The CSM kit follows its smaller 1:72 scale counterpart closely, but some mods appear to have been done to improve constructi...

MAT IRVINE WEEKENDER: Here’s an intriguing duo of kits from Revell-Germany, a 1:100 scale Apollo pair, one titled: “Apollo: Command Module”, the other a same-scale “Apollo: Lunar Module Eagle.” There’s an intriguing aspect to this. Two eras of Heller box style - note the LM (top) features the original-style ‘Heller Cadet’ logo. Small scale space kits Anyone who is familiar with Revell space kits knows that Revell has made small-scale versions of these subjects since the 1960s. But you may notice that the scale of these two kits is listed as 1:100, whereas the original Revell kits were released in 1:96 scale. Note also that the Command Module kit has the cylindrical Service Module included - strictly speaking, the kit should be titled “Command and Service Module (CSM). 1:100 scale CSM (left). And (right) the 1:96 scale Revell version, showing that while parts are similar, they are laid out in different positions on the runners. Note the moonscape base. Marketing mystery As for the 1:10...