Day: February 9, 2024

airfix 1:48 Scale A05141 Bristol Bulldog Mk.II Available to Pre-order

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A gleaming silver steed flown by the most capable and intrepid young men Britain could call upon, the Bristol Bulldog was one of the most important British aircraft of the inter-war period, when powerful biplane fighters unquestionably ruled the skies. Initially developed as a private venture by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, the Bulldog was the brainchild of accomplished aircraft designer Frank Barnwell, the man behind the successful Bristol F2B Fighter of the Great War, and was a light, all-metal and fabric-covered fighter, powered by a 440hp Bristol Jupiter engine.

The Bulldog was armed with a pair of forward-firing Vickers 0.303″ machine guns mounted on either side of the cockpit, but ultimately never fired its guns in anger during a relatively short seven-year period serving with Fighter Command. Although it was the most capable fighter of the day, the Bulldog was more closely associated with challenging formation flying and spectacular aerobatics, with the Royal Air Force thrilling huge crowds at airshows and pageants around the country, as they demonstrated the effectiveness of a modernising air force. 

What the Bulldog did do was help advance Britain’s aviation industry towards the production of the sleek, monoplane fighters which would contest the Second World War, as it highlighted the fact that biplane designs were fast approaching their zenith. Perhaps the most famous incident involving a Bristol Bulldog proved to be a rather unfortunate one, when an accomplished, but rather headstrong RAF pilot performed unauthorised low-altitude aerobatics for a group of onlookers and a private civilian aerodrome in Berkshire. 

Flying so low that the wingtip of his fighter struck the ground during a manoeuvre, the Bulldog cartwheeled across the airfield, inflicting catastrophic injuries on the pilot – that pilot was future Second World War RAF ace and inspirational national hero Douglas Bader.

  • As this is already displayed on the new Bulldog webpage, we felt it was okay to show the box artwork presentation of the new kit, with one particular detail coming in for extra attention a little later in this review.
  • From a golden era of British aviation, the Bristol Bulldog represented the pinnacle of aviation technology when it entered RAF service and pointed towards the very future of aircraft design.
  • A thing of beauty, only the cream of British society could ever hope to fly the Bristol Bulldog, whilst the rest of the nation simply admired from a distance.
  • Something just that little bit different for the latest Airfix range + more of the recognition this classic inter-war fighter surely deserves
  • The culmination of many hours work, this computer rendered image was produced from the CAD files
  • Is it any wonder why we enjoy these designer interviews so much – just look at this fascinating design screenshot supplied
  • Every inch a thoroughbred fighting machine, only the very best could hope to tame the Bulldog!
  • described how he was really pleased with how the fabric covered, spoked wheels came out in design, something he hopes modellers will also appreciate.
  • If this beauty doesn’t take us out of our modelling subject comfort zones, then surely nothing will.
  • designed the Bulldog’s array of supporting struts to support the wings and undercarriage components at the right angles.
  • A looker from any angle, the Bristol Bulldog would look magnificent sat next to a Spitfire or Hurricane and will certainly show them both up when it comes to general presentation.
  • A stunning addition to the Airfix kit range, the Bristol Bulldog Mk.II will draw modeller’s attention to the inter-war era of aviation, and a period when a career as an RAF fighter pilot was just about the most desirable position a young man could hope to achieve.
  • this one shows how he managed to overlay actual original wing rib detail over his wing trace at the start of the design process, providing the absolute certainty of reference information he needed.

acemodel Model:US M-1 57mm AT gun on M-2 carriage Catalogue number 72562 Scale 1/72 Model state Production line Weapons and equipment Artillery Period WWII

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US M-1 57mm AT gun on M-2 carriage The idea of manufacturing of the British 6-pounder in the US was expressed by the US Army Ordnance in February 1941. The US version, classified as substitute standard as 57 mm Gun M1, was based on the 6-pounder Mark II. Production started early in 1942 and continued until 1945. The M1A1 variant used US combat tyres and wheels. The M1A2 introduced the British practice of free traverse, meaning that the gun could be traversed by the crew pushing and pulling on the breech, instead of solely geared traverse, from September 1942.

  • DEMO ART BOX
  • prototype 1
  • prototype 2
  • prototype 3
  • FULL INSTRUCTION
  • cover
  • Inside of box 1
  • Inside of box 2

FULL KIT PARTS

  • FULL KIT PARTS
  • FULL KIT PARTS 1
  • FULL KIT PARTS 2
  • FULL KIT PARTS 3
  • FULL KIT PARTS 4
  • FULL KIT PARTS 5
  • FULL KIT PARTS 6
  • FULL KIT PARTS 7
  • FULL KIT PARTS 8
  • FULL KIT PARTS 9
  • FULL KIT PARTS 10
  • FULL KIT PARTS 11
  • FULL KIT PARTS 12
  • FULL KIT PARTS 13
  • FULL KIT PARTS 14
  • FULL KIT PARTS 15
  • FULL KIT PARTS 16
  • FULL KIT PARTS 17
  • FULL KIT PARTS 18
  • FULL KIT PARTS 19
  • FULL KIT PARTS 20
  • FULL KIT PARTS 21
  • FULL KIT PARTS 22

K-Verbände Midget Submarines ITEM NUMBER S.020 SCALE 1:72 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD WW2 BOX SIZE 247 x 183 x 33 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 20

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During the Second World War, the German Navy created a special K-Verbände (K-Verbände, full name Kleinkampfverbände der Kriegsmarine). Its tasks were to conduct sabotage and assault operations on rivers, at sea and in the coastal zone. The unit consisted of units of subversive boats, manned torpedoes, combat swimmers and various types of mini-submarines. One of these submarines was the single-seat ‘Molch’, designed for operations in the coastal zone. They were equipped with a single electric motor for surface and underwater propulsion, a submersible depth of up to 60 metres, and a maximum speed of 5 knots in the underwater position.

The Molch was built at the Deschhimag shipyard in Bremen, with a total of 393 Kriegsmarine units.  These submarines were deployed in the Mediterranean and North Seas as part of Compound K. Another type was the ‘Seehund’, which was larger, had improved seaworthiness and a two-man crew. They also had two separate engines for surface and submarine operations. By the end of the war, 285 units had been built, and they were considered the best type of German ultra-small submarine. After the war, several Seehunds served in the French Navy.

  • K-Verbände Midget Submarines
  • K-Verbände Midget Submarines
  • K-Verbände Midget Submarines
  • K-Verbände Midget Submarines
  • K-Verbände Midget Submarines

Beobachtungspanzerwagen’ Sd.Kfz.251/18 Ausf.A ITEM NUMBER 35105 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD WW2 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X HEIGHT)167 х 107 mm BOX SIZE 294 x 230 x 58 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 347 WWII German Observation Vehicle with crew

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The Sd.Kfz.251 medium half-tracked armoured personnel carrier was developed by Hanomag in 1938 on the basis of the Sd.Kfz.11 artillery tractor. The vehicle was fully armoured, with an open combat compartment on top and double doors in the rear. The main armament was MG 34 machine guns. Production of the armoured personnel carrier began before the outbreak of World War II, with the first model being the Ausf A version, and production of later modifications continued until the spring of 1945.

During the Second World War, the Sd.Kfz.251 was the main armoured personnel carrier of Germany, and it also became the base vehicle for combat vehicles for various purposes. The Sd.Kfz.251/18 variant (mittlerer Beobachtungspanzerwagen) was an armoured personnel carrier for observation and communications, distinguished by a map table mounted on the roof of the control room. Some of these combat vehicles remained armed with an MG 34 machine gun with a shield. Some of these armoured personnel carriers were also equipped with S.F.14Z rangefinders for observation, targeting and distance determination.

  • Beobachtungspanzerwagen’ Sd.Kfz.251/18 Ausf.A WWII German Observation Vehicle with crew
  • Beobachtungspanzerwagen’ Sd.Kfz.251/18 Ausf.A WWII German Observation Vehicle with crew
  • Beobachtungspanzerwagen’ Sd.Kfz.251/18 Ausf.A WWII German Observation Vehicle with crew
  • Beobachtungspanzerwagen’ Sd.Kfz.251/18 Ausf.A WWII German Observation Vehicle with crew
  • Beobachtungspanzerwagen’ Sd.Kfz.251/18 Ausf.A WWII German Observation Vehicle with crew

Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732

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The CH-54A heavy helicopters in Vietnam were mainly used for transport and occasionally for carrying the M-121 high explosive bombs. These bombs were modified with an extended nose fuze to detonate about 3 feet above the ground, effectively clearing forests for helicopter landing sites.

One notable operation involved a CH-54A helicopter from Phu Bai Air Base, also known as Camp Hochmuth, in central Vietnam. The US Armed Forces started operating this base in 1963, initially as a communications radio station. The base later hosted US Marines, paratroopers, and special operations forces, and an airstrip was built using M8A1 steel airfield plates.

At one point, the airfield also accommodated US Marine Corps aircraft and helicopters. Despite frequent attacks by the Viet Cong, the Phu Bai base remained operational by the US military until the end of 1972.

  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732
  • Phu Bai Combat Base 1968 ITEM NUMBER 53056 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)774 х 225 mm BOX SIZE525 x 263 x 56 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 732

WWII British Army Mobile Chape lITEM NUMBER 35586 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD WW2 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X HEIGHT)167 х 94 mm BOX SIZE 294 x 230 x 58 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 286

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Chevrolet started manufacturing the G506 all-wheel drive trucks in late 1939. These 1.5-ton trucks were equipped with a 3.9-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 83 hp. The military designated these truck models as G7107 (without a winch) and G7117 (with a winch). The majority of these trucks were provided to the Allies under the lend-lease program. They were utilized for personnel and cargo transportation, and also as platforms for various equipment.

An unusual variant was the British Army’s G7117 truck, which was transformed into a mobile field chapel for conducting services in the field. The enclosed body housed a small camp altar with the necessary service equipment, and space for a harmonium. One such vehicle was observed at the location of British units in North Africa in 1943.

  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape
  • WWII British Army Mobile Chape

M8A1 US Landing Mat ITEM NUMBER53200 SCALE1:35 DATE 16.02.2024 TIME PERIOD Modern MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH)210 х 336 mm BOX SIZE 247 x 183 x 33 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 48

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The M8A1 steel plates, developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, were primarily used for the quick construction of temporary runways. These plates were extensively used during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly in army aviation for basing helicopters, light attack aircraft, and surveillance aircraft. They frequently appear in photographs from the period.

Each slab, measuring 3660 x 560 mm, featured a hard-corrugated surface that facilitated effective rainwater drainage. The US Army engineering units were responsible for their installation. The slabs could be connected in a staggered pattern or in a row, allowing for the construction of both small sites and large airfields.