SCALE MODEL NEWS

Here’s a prize-winning build of the 1:24 scale Airfix Harrier, remodelled as a Spanish Navy Matador. The kit is based on the old-mould Harrier, marketed a few years back with additional parts to build the GR3 version. Creator of the sound-enabled display model is US model-maker George Mustafa. It took George over 800 hours (that’s equivalent to more than 33 days solid, working round the clock!) to correct the many flaws in the plastic, to scratch-build the hundreds of missing or corrected components, and to super-detail virtually everything else. The video (below) gives a good feel for George's work, especially the sound-chip side of things - which works just great. George used various bought-in extras, such as part of the Flightpath photo-etch set, a resin ejection seat from Heritage Models, while other parts were scratch-built. The resulting Matador model has working navigation, beacon, and landing lights, an illuminated instrument panel, rotating turbine blades and real Pegasus ...

SMN report: Reference last week’s mention of the upcoming Revell-Renwal Teracruzer and Mace reissue, Mat Irvine has kindly supplied these pictures of an assembled model. We’ve also shown the original box, so you can see the minor differences between the then-and-now kits.  More than just a static model You can also see that the kit has a classic hallmark of the era - working parts, indicated by the words: “fully operating model” on the box. The Mace can be displayed in a horizontal stored position, or raised into launch-ramp firing mode. In that respect, it’s quite similar to many of the better diecasts of the time, such as the Corgi Bloodhound anti-aircraft missile. Renwal design features The Mace shares useful kit-design features with the M65 Atomic Cannon, described by Renwal as “Positive Assembly” and “No Show” cementing. Designed in the first place as helpful aids to younger modelmakers, these are factors that could still appeal to anyone with a shaky hand. Look out there! Inc...