SCALE MODEL NEWS

Here’s a 1:25 scale auto kit that doesn’t quite fit under the AMT ‘Silver Screen Machine’ series, but does have a movie connection. Mat Irvine: This kit is basically a straight Round 2 reissue of the AMT 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery, the commercial version of the then-current car, and what today would simply be called a panel van. The box end (below) shows movie stills, and decal sheet content. The kit first appeared in AMT’s Trophy Series and could be built as a classic ‘3 in 1’, or in one of three ways - stock, custom or competition. With this AMT re-release, you get all the original parts, the majority moulded in white, clear for the windows and lights, plus the usual chrome-plated runner for all the shiny bits. Two engine blocks are provided, a stock Ford side-valve V8 and an early 1960s Buick overhead-valve V8. The latter can be built with triple carbs for the custom, or with a GMC blower (or ‘supercharger’ for those uninitiated into the language of drag racing) for the competition v...

Want a custom-built architectural grade model of the Bull Ring Shopping Centre, Brmingham, UK? Or maybe Heron City, in Barcelona, Spain? Or anything else that strikes your fancy? Then it’s time to look at the precise model work of a Suffolk master of precision miniatures, Nigel Purdy. David Jefferis reports: Nigel Purdy has been working in  architectural modelmaking for more than 20 years, on a wide range of projects, both in the UK and overseas. He is based in rural Suffolk, and specialises in architectural models, with product design and and audio concepts added to the mix. Nigel’s modelmaking is a commercial proposition, which he nails for clients like this, “No matter how brilliant, inventive or inspirational, ideas sometimes need a bit of help by modelling to translate them into a form that can be understood and or accepted by others. He goes on, “Most creations, whether grand-scale development schemes, architectural visions, new methods of working or simple yet innovative de...

Here is a reissue of Revell’s standard 1:72 scale McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom, but this time the moulding is in a rich blue, with markings that represent a special scheme used to celebrate the Phantom’s final flight in Luftwaffe service, carried out on June 29, 2013. Mat Irvine: The Pharewell Phantom’s phlight marked 40 years of continuous Luftwaffe service, a career that started with the first delivery, on May 18, 1973. The object of the kit is in its markings, which are provided on a large decal sheet, printed with 56 items. Some are for cockpit instruments, but the majority are for the striking colour scheme on this last Luftwaffe Phantom. The colour scheme is blue and gold, and here the plastic is moulded in blue, so it’s the decals that carry the gold. The only slight break is that the tail also features the German flag’s stripes of black, red and yellow. The box-art shows the Pharewell Phantom during its final air display. The Phantom in the background is one of the others th...

It's good to return to our friends at Industria Mechanika, purveyors of original science-fiction models that are a world away from standard-issue Star Wars and Star Trek. Not that Star Trek and Star Wars aren't great subjects for models - it's just that Industria Mechanika's range is based on original concepts, created by talented designers who work mostly in the world of video gaming and movie-making, so IM's stuff comes from their spare-time heart and soul. The kits are mostly to standard scales too, which means that it is not difficult to incorporate them into existing collections, or to add production kits as diorama extensions. Visit Industria Mechanika here. And some interesting sci-fi stuff available below. Industria Mechanika's Kastor mobile hovertank may have a steampunk flavour, but that's no bad thing at all, and it's convincing as a futuristic combat machine, and even better, comes in military-model standard 1:35 scale. More IM articles at SM...

A welcome return to form for the famed World War II Avro Lancaster from Airfix, this version comes in two marking schemes and has plenty of welcome detail. Once upon a time, the Lancaster was the ‘first of the many’ big kits from Airfix - now it’s a ‘return of the first.’ SMN Report: The Avro Lancaster and the B-17 Flying Fortress share the laurels for best-loved big bomber of World War II, so it’s no surprise that Airfix has updated the ‘Lanc’ several times during the half century or so that the aircraft has featured in the company's range. This particular kit comes in two versions, the B1(FE) and later BIII. This latest one is light years ahead of that original kit, itself a major step forward for Airfix, not least for being presented in a box rather than a plastic bag. Airfix has provided a wealth of detail, most impressive of which is the full length bomb bay, with plenty of structural mouldings, including bomb clamps and much more. A similar story can be seen in the wheel doo...

All two-wheel fans start drooling now, for the famed racing car name Lotus is soon to be a motorbike brand. We'll just let the Lotus development team talk about their new baby, but for kit-bashers, there are plenty of thoughts in these Daniel Simon concept artworks, so if you fancy starting with - say - one of Tamiya's excellent motorbikes, then you have a really good start. For now though, let's see what Kodewa, the German racing outfit behind the new bike, has to say. “Following two years of careful planning and intense development, Kodewa is delighted to announce that the prototype of the world’s first motorcycle to bear the legendary Lotus marque is now road registered and ready for action. “Kodewa has been granted a license to produce the motorcycle by Group Lotus plc, the world renowned sportscar manufacturer and engineering consultancy. “The C-01 combines ample power via a V-twin engine with a distinctive body designed by Daniel Simon, integrating carbon fibre, titan...

A recent visit to the famed Covent Garden Piazza in London revealed that there are miniatures to be found in the unlikeliest places. SMN Report: There is one obvious place to track down, and that’s the Tintin shop in Floral Street . Packed to the rafters with Tintin stuff, it’s a Herge fan’s delight. For us, the red-and-white chequered Moon rocket from Destination Moon on sale in no less than three different sizes was a spoonful of cream on the cake. Add various 1:43 scale vehicles from the story, and the place became a graphic novel and model fan’s treasure-trove. As was the Forbidden Planet store , in Shaftesbury Avenue. Books, collectibles, comics, games, miniatures… if you like fantasy and science-fiction, the place is unmissable. Mind you, there are other Forbidden Planet stores spread around the UK, so one of them might be reachable if a trip to London is not on your itinerary. And in the Covent Garden Piazza itself? Well, we found no dedicated model or miniature store, sad to ...