Model Kit Reviews

[McCoy]

The 'ol Matchbox M7 Priest was a sweet kit back in the day. I've built it n' I can't remember any difficultys with it. In fact there where just one little bugger from Matchbox that I never did get right n' that was their M24 Chaffee.

[MAGNA]

The Chaffee ? W'eve got one of them. I didn't make it so I don't know what it was like but it looks good. In fact, we seem to still have a lot in one piece considering the moving we have all done over the past 25 years +.

I will have some pics in the games we do as we go along. Some of the ones in the current game are old Matchbox and Airfix made in the late seventies. They have stood up pretty well over time but don't look quite as good now when you put them next to some of the latest offerings from other manufacturers.

[McCoy]

I grew up on Matchbox a/c's in 1:72 n' tincans in 1:76 n' dreamt of buildin' their Flower class corvette in 1:72. Back then I was impressed with the kits but I doubt that I would be so today. But it's a good start n' for yer gamin' use they must be ferfect.

[Geek44]

Many of those old Matchbox kits have become 'collector's items' now. I read a short article in FSM a while ago. The Matchbox F4U Corsair is particularly sought after I believe. I loved their Westland Lysander and built it a couple of times. I also did their Preist and Chaffee a few times each. All great kits for their time (and my modelling skills).
More Pz IV pics as I progress...been working steadily but slowly. Pics soon.

[MAGNA]

Collectors items. Wow. I have seen some 1/72 stuff on Ebay go for an awful lot.

Seems odd when the old ones were all bought for about $2.00 each.

I have finished a nice Italeri M8 car. The six wheeler. It's a nifty kit and paints up well. I'll post a pic or two in a while.

[Geek44]

I've read some good stuff about Italeri's vehicle kits but I haven't had much experience with them. My impression is it's pot luck for quality but that's just my impression...I've seen one really nice kit at the club...an Italian Cant trimotor bomber. Not as nice looking as the Savoia Marchetti though.
Here are some updat pics for you.
PzIV Filters2a.jpg
This pic shows a filter during application. As you can see, it's just heavily diluted enamel paint of whatever colour you want.

PzIV Filters7a.jpg
This pic shows some of the more subtle effects that have evlved after about fifteen applications of mostly brown shades from rust to darkened chocolate.

PzIV Filters12a.jpg

PzIV Filters14a.jpg
These two pics show the difference in colour I was looking for in applying extra filters to local areas. I was trying for heat darkening for the engine covers and the gun muzzle. What I ended up with on the rear deck is pretty much okay by me. The gun muzzle isn't as dark as I'd like, possibly because of its cylindrical shape, but I won't apply any more. The paint has built up and the applications are beginning to disturb the surface. Next on the list is fading paint and chipping.

[MAGNA]

Now that you mention it. The Savoia is one I have always wanted to make. I like the look of it and the paint scheme. If I go for 1/72nd is there a really good one?

I see what you mean by subtle with the filters. I am starting to really see the effect though and it is different to washing due to the colour changes. Keep posting as you go please.

[McCoy]

To work with filter without an airbrush seems a tad difficult.

[Geek44]

I'm using a brush. The filters I'm mixing up are only maybe 2% paint or even less. I'm using lids from plastic water bottles about 2/3 full of turpentine with a single drop of Humbrol paint. Hence the subtlety and no brush marks.
The Savoia Marchetti has been available since I can remember in 1/72 but it's Airfix and probably from the late '60s. I'd say it would be hard to get too by now. I'm certain that a more modern kit exists and is quite a recent release...maybe within the last three years. It's in 1/48 though...it's either Trumpeter or an Eastern European manufacturer...I'll find out.

[McCoy]

Ah, n' I though that you just sprayed the filter on.