SCALE MODEL NEWS

Hong Kong Models is going bigtime for big planes, with a range of tasty-looking 1:32 scale bomber kits. And the first of these flying towards us is the HK North American B-25J Mitchell, due for release now. Newcomer from Hong Kong HK’s website welcome note says it all: “Our company was established in 2010, formed by a group of enthusiasts with modelers, Military fans and experienced mold maker. Combining with our historical knowledge, passion on modeling and creative tooling technology, we strive to bring you the most ultimate scale model in ever. As a model enthusiast, we know what you want, what you expect and we will make your dream come true. Keep close eye on our website, HK Models will be surprises you all!” Hundreds of components provide fresh levels of B-25 detail in 1:32 scale. New kids on the block Mild language adjustments aside, this is really good news, for here’s a two-year-old team of keen model fans, eager to go head-to-head with established Chinese brands like Dragon a...

Weekend read from Mat Irvine: It’s probably a bit obvious to say that you see aircraft at an airport, but more to the point, many airports also display aircraft models. Military-civil combo One such, which I passed through recently, is Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, Texas. It’s a military/commercial joint-use airport, in which one section is used by the Fort Hood military reservation, and there’s a check-in desk for arriving soldiers on the first floor of the terminal building.  Big enough for jumbos, small enough for models Being regional, Killeen-Fort Hood is not a large airport, although its single runway is long enough to take a Boeing 747. Commercial operations are mostly to link with larger airports, like Dallas Forth Worth to the north, using turboprop aircraft such as the ATR-72. But, apart from standard passenger facilities, the departure hall also features a number of model aircraft hanging from the ceiling, and in cabinet displays.   Robert Gray Army Airfield T...