Kit review: Alpine's 1/16 USMC

Alpine Miniatures are known for their fantastic 1/16 scale line of single figures. The latest addition is no exception in terms of sharp, well defined detail and natural looking poses.

The parts break down into logical components such as the feet are separate under the brim of the trousers, hands connect at the shirt sleeves and the watch strap which make for perfect connecting points as filling in gaps on flesh can be problematic.

Two heads are provided which showcase the variations of helmets, one covered and one 'steel' which is par for the course for Alpine miniatures in all scales. The facial expression is very well defined which should make for excellent painting. The M1 with bayonet is superbly cast and appears to be the proper thickness required to convey a sufficiently 'hefty' weapon.

If there is one criticism I have it is with the use of straight resin parts for the hanging sling and the two chin straps. This is more of a personal preference issue rather than a problem, I'm used to using lead foil rather than heating and bending resin. All that being said the various buckles and clips on the sling can be clipped off and used in conjunction with lead foil. My reference for this warrior is Osprey Men At Arms #342 "The US Army In World War II (I) The Pacific." Hical, James

1/24 RAF seatbelts

There are many options to render seat belts. I predominantly build 1/48 although I am being lured into other scales by the recent flood of outstanding kits. In 1/48, I prefer to paint moulded on belts and often rely on the beautiful seats from Ultracast. In the larger scales, several options are available. Four different approaches are shown in 1/32 using RAF belts as an example.

Right to left are printed and photo etch belts from HGW, Laser cut and photo etch from the same manufacturer, RB Production belts in paper and photo etch and prepainted photo etch from Eduard.

This shows the last two offerings. Eduard shows the stitching prominently and there is limited cutting of parts. RB gives prescored paper belts and separate metal eyes, which were so prominent on the RAF belts. HGW has taken two different approaches. Belt set 132004 is beautifully printed down to the stitching and serial numbers. However, it is not prescored and requires a sharp knife and a steady hand. I am probably not alone in occasionally being a bit ham fisted and I suspect this is the reason behind the laser cut edition. Photo etch parts are unchanged but some of the printed detail of the earlier example is absent. The choice is yours. As I am currently working on the 1/24 scale Mosquito, I have a choice between RB Productions and Eduard belts.

For this build, I will be trying the RB Productions set and use Eduard’s on a second Mosquito. Eduard’s belts are the most widely available. Although I am sure many sources exist, RB Productions can be obtained via their web site, www.radub.com www.Ultracast.com or www.Eagle-Editions.com . I obtain my HGW products from www.Hannants.co.uk although you can visit them at www.HGW.WEBGARDEN.CZ Hical, Allan.

Tommy's War Royal Artillery at Mons review

This piece was another acquisition from Euro Militaire 2012. The Tommy's War line is unique because each release is release in chronological order in an attempt to tell the story of the First World War in regiments-a very cool idea!

The figure comes with the usual casting blocks on the elbows, on the base of the neck (head) and a single block on the base of both feet. Cleaning was simple enough except for the mould seam on the ankle wraps which, is common among figures with similar kit but I was loath to slip up and remove any of the sharp detail. The pose of the figure is stellar, especially once fully painted as it portrays a gunner with a proud possibly arrogant stance. The First World War is a seemingly untapped market from figure manufacturers with several exceptions. That being said if it is your area of interest you should check out the 1/32 scale figure line from Tommy's War. Recommended Hical, James

Mossie Progress

There has been slow progress on the Airfix 1/24 Mosquito. The cockpit back decking has been updated but not weathered. Previously removed molded wiring has been replaced with lead wire.

The T.1154 transmitter and R.1155 receiver are finished. Dials are Airscale from their 1/24 Mosquito sheet and the smaller gauges on the receiver are generic 1/32 gauges, again from Airscale Placards appear to be present in variable numbers on the receiver. A single placard from a 1/32 Mike Grant sheet was used.

Colour pictures of both units are presented in SAM Publications “The De Havilland Mosquito” modelers Datafile by Richard Franks. However, one of the nicest pictures of these two units in actual use, all be it in the radio compartment of an RCAF Short Sunderland, is present in a large photo on the back dust cover of the Larry Milberry book, “Aviation in Canada, Bombing and Coastal Operations Overseas 1939-1945.” This is the latest of four recent volumes about the RCAF by Milberry and is a mixture of personal accounts supplemented by a nice selection of photos. Although not shown, identification lights have been added to the lower fuselage using the upgrade set from Paragon. Again, plans from SAM Publications “Mosquito FB VI” by Dave Brown were enlarged 200% and used as a template for placement.

Evolution Miniatures Review

While at Euro Militaire this September I spent much of the weekend in the vending area. A very cool miniature I bought was from Evolution Miniatures, a Russian figure company who specialize in 1/48 and 1/35 scale figures.

Upon opening the cardboard box I noted the well defined and sharp details molded in the weapon and main figure. The construction and cleanup was as simple as any of the leading resin companies on the market with the usual single mold line on the inseam of the trousers. I always like to think of new weapons to outfit my modern warriors with but while looking over the CQBR I decided that there was no need to replace it!

It is worth noting that this figure is part of a larger 'crew' of SOF troops from Evolution Miniatures line and they will make up a great vignette or addition to a diorama as they all share this trooper's nonchalant attitude. Hical, James

Fischer Skyray first look

The 1/32 scale Douglas Skyray from Fischer Models has arrived. As the Skyray is one of my favorite jets, I have been eagerly awaiting its release. Was the wait justified? Definitely yes. I have been a fan of Fischer Models since building their single seat Sea Fury. In my opinion, Fischer’s subsequent releases have been progressively more impressive.

On first look, the Skyray appears to be Fischer Models best to date; no small accomplishment considering the company it’s in. I will leave the detailed reviews and quick builds to others. However, I have included pictures of the kit contents. The model comprises 118 parts including multiple armament choices. A set of vinyl masks and brass photo etch are included. Decals comprise two sheets covering four machines, including an NATC and a utility bird. This is a beautiful model of a beautiful aircraft. If you have even the slightest interest in the Skyray, consider obtaining this kit. Hical, Allan