American Air Museum

www.airfix.com
The official Airfix Club Magazine
Issue 26 | Spring 2014
In This Issue...
■ Tiger Moth build
■ The Airfix Challenge
■ Special offers
and discount
ET
ME
THE DESIGNE
R
A05125
SPITFIRE!
MATT WHITING TAL
KS
THE DEVELOPMENT ABOUT
OF THE
NEW 1:48 SPITFIRE
READ MORE ABOUT THE CREATION OF THE SPITFIRE MKVb on P.10
Welcome to the
Airfix Club Magazine
Contents
Editorial
2
Toy Fairs 3
The Airfix Challenge I
ON THE ROAD
n this issue we have the latest photos of London and Nuremberg Toy Fairs,
along with an exclusive interview with Airfix Product designer Matt Whiting
about the new Spitfire MkVb due out later this year.
mberg
Photos from our recent outings Nure
irs
and London Toy Fa
out some of the photos from
s for Hornby Hobbies Ltd. Check
There is also a modeller’s build on the new Tiger Moth and an introduction to
Airfix’s latest project, The Airfix Challenge.
Another successful year at Toy Fair
2014.
London and Nuremberg Toy Fair
4-5
Modellers build – Tiger Moth 6-7
Airfix Club exclusive offers
8-9
Interview with Matt Whiting
product designer
10-11
AMW Typhoon Supplement 12-13
CONSTRUCTION
CATEGORY
Close up with D-Day gift sets 14-15
D-Day Diorama at Hornby HQ 16-17
Members Gallery
18-19
Competition Time
20
Design & Production:
Hornby Hobbies Ltd
Membership Organiser:
Sarah Woodhouse.
2014 subscription fees
UK Download Version (No Kit) £7.99
UK Postal Version (No Kit) £9.99
UK Download Version (Club Kit) £17.98
UK Postal Version (Club Kit and
Catalogue) £19.98
EU Download Version (No Kit) £9.99
Rest of World Download Version
(Club Kit) £26.99
Cheques made payable to:
Hornby Hobbies Limited.
Cards accepted:
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro & Switch
accepted with valid expiry date.
We win again!
Airfix whipped up London Toy Fair’s ‘Best New Toys 2014’ in
the construction category. Airfix is ecstatic at winning an award
for the QUICK BUILD range for the second year running along
with awards for Javelin, Avro Lancaster BII and Quickbuild at
Nuremberg Toy Fair from various German model magazines
and websites.
New Key Publishing Offer
A Match made in Plastic!
Airfix Club Members can now receive a
further £5 off subscriptions to all the aviation
titles from the Key Publishing range.
Congratulations to Sacha and Alex on their
engagement. Sacha proposed on Alex’s 30th
birthday on the 27th March with a special
Vickers Valiant kit containing a bespoke decal
scheme made especially to mark the occasion
by the Airfix team. We wish Sacha and Alex
every happiness for the future!
don Toy Fair
phoon at the Lon
Ty
r
ke
aw
H
w
ne
Showcasing the
Airfix’s Award Winning Quickbuild stand
Club address:
Airfix Collectors Club,
PO Box 25, Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire, UK. LE13 IZG.
Tel: 0844 815 0582
Fax: 01664 480 257
The Airfix Club Magazine is published
on behalf of Hornby plc, Westwood,
Margate, Kent CT9 4JX.
The Club accepts no responsibility for
errors or omissions or for views and
opinions expressed by contributors to
the magazine.
p2 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
www.airfix.com
www.airfix.com
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p3
BUILDING HISTORY
IN SCHOOLS
D-DAY AND FIRST WORLD
WAR COLLECTIONS ON
DISPLAY AT IWM DUXFORD
The Airfix Challenge is an extension of the very
popular Project Airfix and will take place in schools
across the UK. For the first year this will focus on
the WWI Centenary Anniversary.
There are four stages to the Airfix Challenge which will take
place within classrooms using a combination of History and
Art lessons.
Explore IWM Duxford in 2014 as we commemorate
the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the
centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
• History of WWI and Centenary Anniversary
• Project Airfix – including three new WWI packs
• Creative writing
V
• Diorama building
isitors to IWM Duxford can explore the American Air Museum which
houses the Douglas C-47 Skytrain. It is believed to have participated
in the airborne drops over Normandy in 1944, the airborne assault on
Holland in September 1944 and the crossing of the Rhine in March 1945.
The P-47 Thunderbolt that can be seen in the American Air Museum is the
type of aircraft flown by pilots of the 78th Fighter Group, from RAF Duxford,
in support of the D-Day Landings.
The B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator also flew in support of D-Day
operations. Examples of these aircraft can also be seen in the American
Air Museum.
In the AirSpace exhibition get up close to the Avro Lancaster bomber which
flew bombing missions in support of D-Day operations.
After completing a History lesson giving an overview of
WWI, students will have a better understanding of WWI and
the Centenary Anniversary. This will give students a greater
knowledge when they begin to build the models and will leave
them feeling confident enough to give a presentation to their
teacher and classmates on what they have learnt. Alongside
building their kit students will produce a piece of creative writing,
giving a background story to their model, this could be anything
from a poem or letter to a short story. Teachers may help to
inspire their students by providing a suggestion. E.g. ‘You are
fighting in WWI, write a letter to your family describing your
experience as a soldier’.
The museum’s Land Warfare exhibition is home to the Normandy Experience
and the Monty exhibition. Together they tell the story of the final months of the
war in Europe, from D-Day, through the fierce battles in France to VE Day.
Two poems written
by the pupils
In this centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War visitors to
the museum can explore the historic site and stroll amongst the well-preserved
hangars and buildings which date back to the latter stages of the
First World War.
RAF Duxford was built as a consequence of the development of aerial warfare
during the Great War. The museum’s Historic Duxford exhibition tells the story
of RAF Duxford’s creation and its First World War history.
IWM Duxford’s First World War buildings are in daily use and several retain
the original purpose for which they were built. The Air and Sea and Battle of
Britain exhibitions are housed in First World War Belfast hangars, as is the
Conservation in Action hangar.
Once the first three stages have been achieved students can
then go on to build a diorama, based on what they have learnt
to create a war scene, this requires patience and creativity
and is a brilliant way to bring the history to life. This could also
incorporate the use of recyclable materials adding a further
educational element to the challenge.
In the AirSpace exhibition visitors can see a Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8, which
was a First World War two-seat reconnaissance and artillery-spotting aircraft.
Multi coloured wristbands will be given after each stage has
been completed and will be a great reminder to students what
they have learnt and achieved as part of the Airfix Challenge.
The Airco/ de Havilland DH9 was one of the first British bomber aircraft
designed for strategic attacks on German cities, railways and airfields during
the First World War. The DH9 can also be seen in the AirSpace exhibition.
The Bristol F2B fighter on display in the Battle of Britain exhibition was one of
the British fighter aircraft developed during the First World War to attack enemy
aircraft and to protect our air force.
Also in the Battle of Britain exhibition, and presently undergoing conservation
work, is a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2C, the first reconnaissance aircraft to
be ordered in quantity for the Royal Flying Corps. This aircraft will go on
permanent display at IWM Duxford in due course.
The Land Warfare exhibition houses one of the finest collections of tanks,
military vehicles and artillery in the country.
The First World War was, above all, a conflict of artillery. In the Land Warfare
exhibition see a range of First World War artillery pieces as well as a variety of
First World War vehicles.
p4 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
www.airfix.com
www.airfix.com
Don’t forget that Airfix members can enjoy
2for1 admission on adult tickets to IWM
Duxford. The offer is available on presentation
of a valid voucher and an Airfix membership
card. T&Cs apply. Please see the Special
Offers leaflet attached to the front of the Club
Magazine.
IWM Duxford is just south of Cambridge at
Junction 10 of the M11 motorway, less than 50
miles from central London and approximately
40 minutes from the M25 (Junction 27). There is
ample free parking.
For more information about IWM Duxford, visit
iwm.org.uk
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p5
DH
82A
TIGER MOTH
In this issue Brian Canell
shows us his foolproof
method for building and
rigging Airfix’s new tool
Tiger Moth DH82a.
01. Part drill some 0.2mm holes next to wing strut
mounts and drill two 0.2mm holes halfway down each
side of fuselage. These are for the rigging wires to be
fitted later.
02. Drill four holes on top of fuselage in front of
forward cockpit.
03. Paint and assemble cockpit and pilots. Add
instrument panel decals.
04. Assemble fuselage halves, fit engine cowl and
prop. Fix centre struts to underside of top wing.
05. Add fin and elevator.
06. Mask pilots and cockpits. Prime model and then
paint undersides of wings and lower section of
fuselage with Humbrol H24 Trainer Yellow.
13. A small piece of stretched sprue was added to
brace the wing rigging.
14. The control wires to the elevators and rudder were
now fitted. This is why the decals were applied first!
The wheels were added and final paint touching up
was done.
15-18. The Tiger moth is finished!!
How to create stretched sprue - To make stretched sprue hold a length of sprue with an end in each hand then rotate it about 2cm above a candle flame.
Once the sprue goes soft but before it turns black and burns take it away from the flame and pull your hands away from each other. hold in this position
for a few seconds while the sprue cools and hardens again. It takes some practice but once mastered you can vary the thickness depending on how far
you pull your hands apart.
07. Now mask all yellow areas. I used masking tape
and Humbrol Maskol.
08. Paint upper surface of lower wing in camouflage
pattern using H72 Khaki Drill and H86 Light Olive.
09. Once paint on lower wing is dry mask it.
Now paint remaining camouflage areas with H30 Dark
Green and H29 Dark Earth. Leave to dry.
10. Assemble top wing to model and paint struts. Also
add windscreens.
11. Begin to rig starting on fuselage in front of cockpit.
I used stretched sprue that was a little longer than
needed and then progressively cut each one down
until they fitted into the pre drilled holes. I secured
with a tiny amount of superglue gel. The instructions
show where the wires go.
12. Once the rigging on the main wings are fitted
I carefully painted with H53 Gunmetal. Next add the
decals.
p6 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
www.airfix.com
www.airfix.com
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p7
Take a look at some of the museums and
attractions that Airfix have joined with this year,
bringing its members even more special offers
and discounts for 2014!
Registered Charity Nº 1142186
SPECIAL OFFERS
AND ATTRACTIONS
Discounted Entry to these Attractions
2 FOR 1
Military History Tours are the experts
for trips to all theatres of European
conflict throughout the nineteenth
and twentieth centuries.
ADMISSION
•
•
•
•
Along with IWM Duxford and Fleet Air Arm Museum, Airfix are now
offering exclusive offers in a variety of military and aviation museums
as well as discounts on tours and publications.
Coupons for all of these attractions can be found inside your
membership pack and in the magazine wrap.
IWM Duxford
Visit the Museum to celebrate 350
years of the Royal Marines. With
over 25 special events, including
holiday activities for kids, family fun days, concerts
galore and a special lecture series, make this unique
year the time to join in the excitement!
CALL 023 9281 9385
VISIT ROYALMARINESMUSEUM.CO.UK
EASTNEY ESPLANADE | SOUTHSEA
HAMPSHIRE | PO4 9PX
Royal Marine’s Museum
National Waterways Museum
Cheshire Military Museum
Strictly limited group sizes on each tour
Expert guidance throughout your trip
Accommodation and local transport arranged
Tours start at just £399
WW2 Tours include - The Great Escape, Arnhem, D Day, Wolfs Lair,
Eagles Nest, Berlin, Prague, Peenemunde, Death Camps
WW1 Tours include - Old Contemptibles, The Christmas Truce,
Sarajevo, Ypres, Somme, Tommy Experience and more...
Phone 0845 835 0644
Email [email protected]
Web www.militaryhistorytours.co.uk
For the latest news and tour information follow @MilitaryHistory
10% DISCOUNT FOR AIRFIX CLUB MEMBERS! SEE COUPON INSIDE...
M&A Advert 105mm (w) x 148.5mm (h)
Cheshire Military Museum
Soldiers of Cheshire
Three Centuries of History
25% DISCOUNT
2 FOR 1
ADMISSION
Airfix have teamed up with the renowned military book
publisher, Osprey to offer you a whopping 25% discount.
Just quote ‘Airfix’ when prompted at the checkout.
Two for
one entry
at National Waterways Museum and
The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne
canalrivertrust.org.uk/attractions
Please present this advert on entry.
Terms & Conditions apply. See website for details.
Why not make this the year you come and visit us?
Open daily 10am - 4pm
The Castle|Chester|Cheshire|CH1 2DN
www.cheshiremilitarymuseum.co.uk
w: ospreypublishing.com
p8 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
2014: Centenary of the Outbreak
of The Great War
www.airfix.com
www.airfix.com
DATE: 03.03.2014 V2
ARTWORK @ 100%
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p9
Matt’s Super
Supermarine
Spitfire MkVb
In this issue we talk to Matt Whiting on his design and development of the
newly tooled 1:48th Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb.
How did the decision come about to release a new
Spitfire Mk Vb?
‘We chose to create a new Mk V kit to replace older tooling that
is not up to modern standards, and to allow the creation of a
flexible suite of mould tools for a new family of early Merlinengined Spitfires in the coming years. Other considerations
were compatibility with the existing BF-109E kit to create a
dogfight double.’
We were lucky enough to find the complex co-ordinate tables
which accurately describe the shapes of the fuselage, wings
and tailplane in the RAF Museum archives at Hendon. I
carefully converted these measurements into 1/48th scale and
plotted them out within my CAD software, which allowed me
to generate accurate surfaces and find the distinctive shape of
the Spitfire. I also positioned key structural details such as the
fuselage frames and wing spars which helped position major
parts such as the undercarriage and many other small details
on the model. This detail is used to create a “base model”
which contains all the information from which all the individual
parts are formed.
On this kit we wanted
to include 2 styles of
windscreen, so engineering
the fuselage to correctly
represent both internal and
external armoured versions
whilst keeping the kit
relatively simple to construct
was a challenge.’
Research and Development:
From Screen to Store.
CAD Design
Did you enjoy designing
the kit?
‘Getting the chance to work
on popular subjects such
as the Spitfire is always a
privilege- but this brings
with it a lot of responsibility to get it right! I have always been
fascinated by engineering, so digging deep into original
technical drawings to find snippets of information is very
interesting and enjoyable. Designing model kits can be very
time consuming, so an interest in the subject matter is essential
to ensure you do not become bored part-way through the
project.’
Once the 3D design of the parts is completed, the parts are carefully
arranged into frame groups to allow the toolmakers to prepare drawings.
We have to consider the size and shape of the parts, the box size and
any planned future releases to make the most efficient use of the tooling.
A “rapid prototype” of the parts is made using stereolithography to check
the shape of the model for accuracy and to ensure the model can be
put together with no issues- the design can then be altered to correct
any issues.
The tools are made in China but we work closely with the toolmakers,
who send us regular progress reports. During this stage we may need to
make modifications to the design of parts to make them easier to mould.
“Test shots” are sent back to us at various stages so that areas that need
improvement can be addressed, the layout of the part numbers decided.
The moulded parts are also used to help with the sequence of the
instructions, and the decal designer can ensure markings and lettering is
sized correctly.
Our 3D CAD and decal artwork is then used as a reference to create an
eye-catching CGI rendered boxart image which forms the basis of the
kit packaging. Once all the individual elements have been completed,
production can begin on the finished kits which appear on Model
Shop shelves.
How much building time is needed for this kit?
‘The basic kit can be put together in a day or two, but detail
painting and decal application could add much more time on
top of that!’
How did you source your information?
‘For this kit, we used several sources of information. We visited
real aircraft at Duxford to take photographs and measurements,
used original Supermarine drawings and tables, and have a
large library of reference books full of period photographs and
written information.
To help check the shape of the sleek Spitfire nose, I have
a CAD model of a Merlin engine which can be scaled and
assembled into the model assembly. This ensures the nose
would be able to fit an engine inside, and gives the position of
items such as the exhausts and air intakes.
The completed cockpit
One of the highlights of the project was a visit to survey Spitfire
Vb BM597, operated from Duxford by the Historic Aircraft
collection. Many measurements and hundreds of photographs
were taken, and we were even able to try out the pilots’ seat for
size - all in the name of research, of course!’
How much more detail does the 1:48 have compared
to the 1:72?
‘Our 1/72nd Spitfire kits have around 45 parts, the new 1/48th
Spitfire VB has around 120. The extra parts are mainly to add
more detail into the cockpit, but extra parts such as 250-lb
bombs and tropical air filters are included as well. Separate
control surfaces and optional propellers and exhausts are
also included.
p10 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
www.airfix.com
x art
s amazing bo
Adam Tooby’
www.airfix.com
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p11
TYPHOON!
Pick up the June issue of
Airfix Model World to get this
unmissable supplement.
Airfix Model World’s 24-page Hawker Typhoon
supplement will offer an in-depth build article
on the new 1/24 Superkit from Airfix, by AMW
contributor Steve Budd.
A
ce modeller Steve will impart everything one needs to know
about building this stunning kit, from how to create lifelike
cockpit detail to realistic painting and finishing.
Also provided will be ten pages of vital reference material provided
by Chris Thomas...the UK’s recognised expert on the type, and who
helped Airfix with its research for its 1/24 kit. Chris will explain structural
differences, weaponry, paint schemes and special markings, as well as
the four colour schemes in Airfix’s must-have Typhoon package.
p12 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
www.airfix.com
www.airfix.com
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p13
OPERATION OVERLORD
D-Day saw the biggest seaborne invasion and
the greatest military campaign the world has
ever seen.
B
Air Assault
n RAF Vehicles
nTyphoon
n RAF Personnel
y the end of 11 June (D + 5), 326,547 troops, 54,186 vehicles
and 104,428 tons of supplies had been landed on the beaches.
As well as the troops who landed in Normandy on D-Day, and
those in supporting roles at sea and in the air, millions more men and
women in the Allied countries were involved in the preparations for
D-Day. They played thousands of different roles, both in the Armed
Forces and as civilians.
Modellers and wargamers can now recreate scenes from the
famous landings and the days that followed with these fantastic
new sets from Airfix.
Sea Assault
n Willys Jeep
n American Marines
n Higgins LCVP x 2
Operation Overlord
n Coastal defence fort
n German Infantry
n Sherman Tank
n QT truck
n Willys Jeep
n Higgins LCVP
n Cromwell Tank
n British Infantry NW Europe
p14 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
www.airfix.com
www.airfix.com
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p15
D-DAY DIORAMA
The Airfix D-Day exhibition is now open at the
Hornby Visitor Centre, this exhibition helps
commemorate one of the most important days of
the last century. The exhibition features a huge
multi-media diorama supported by displays setting
out some of the key stories from the ‘Day of Days’.
Entrance to the new exhibition is included in with your
admission to the Hornby Visitor Centre.
Our diorama measures an impressive 26 square metres and
features a huge range of buildings, aircraft, vehicles, figures and
landing craft that would have been seen in Normandy in June 1944.
The display illustrates the scene as the Allies push inland from the
beach and the German forces rush to hold them back along with
the air support which was a major factor in this campaign.
We would like to thank The Medway Model Club for building us
this amazing D-Day diorama. The club was founded in 1983, and
is a relaxed, welcoming group, who encourage modellers in their
chosen hobby of scale modelling. Their members come from all
walks of life and have many levels of skill.
For more information please visit the club website
www.medwaymodellingclub.co.uk.
Day Tickets
Adult:£5.00
Child/SeniorCitizen:£2.50
Family:£12.50
(2 adults, up to 4 children)
Annual Tickets
Adult: £15.00
Family: £30.00
(2 adults, up to 4 children)
WESTWOOD I MARGATE I KENT I CT9 4JX
www.hornby.com/visitorcentre
Tel: 01843 233524
E-mail: [email protected]
p16 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
www.airfix.com
www.airfix.com
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p17
y
r
e
l
l
a
g
s
r
e
b
m
e
M
A
gain we have received a brilliant collection of members’
photos. We would like to thank everyone who has sent a
photo in to us. As always there will be a prize for the one
our panel considers the best submission in each edition.
The winner chosen from all the photographs published in Issue
25 of the Airfix Club Magazine is member Steven, No. 502236.
Congratulations Steven look out for your surprise Airfix gift
which is on its way to you.
Member 610634, Stephen Trainers galore!
Member 614899, Jacob Brilliant building!
Member 501938, Graham Nice in black and white
Member 612020, David Great use of ground crew
Member 615015, James Glorious Javelin
Member 613591, Mick Don’t you just
opening gun ports!
love those
Member 500287, Richard Super Lightning
illiant variety!
Member 599974, Jakob Br
Member 615360, Josh Fantastic little vignette
Ed: If you would like to write to us or send in your photos for our Picture Gallery, you can email us at [email protected] or write to
The Airfix Club Magazine, Hornby Hobbies Ltd, Westwood Cross, Margate CT9 4JX, UK.
Member 614793, Louis Excellent Battle
diorama
www.airfix.com
Member 504184, John
Fab launch pad
If sending images, please ensure they are originals (not scanned prints), in focus and high resolution. We are offering a prize for the
best overall contribution, so we look forward to hearing from you.
p18 | Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26
of Britain
www.airfix.com
Airfix Club Magazine Issue 26 | p19
www.airfix.com
GREEN LIGHT....GO!
Competition Time - Think of a suitable caption and
WIN a Douglas Dakota C-47 A/D Skytrain
This issue we are offering a fantastic
prize for one Adult and one Junior
Winner. All you have to do is think of a
suitable caption for the image above.
Please send all entries to; Airfix Issue 26 Competition, PO Box
25, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1ZG or e-mail them in
to [email protected].
In either case please quote your name, address and
membership number and for junior entrants, please state your
age (14 or under) Closing date for all entries is 31st Oct 2014
You have to be in it to win it! Who
knows...YOU could be the lucky winner!
Rules of entry
1. The two winners of the competition (one adult and one junior aged 14 or under) will be picked at random from all entries received by the closing date of 31st October 2014.
2. The competition is limited to one entry per current member of the Airfix Club.
3. The results of the competition will be announced in Issue 27 of the Airfix magazine and the winner notified by post.
4. The competition is not open to employees of Hornby
Hobbies Ltd., their agents or families.
5. No correspondence to be entered into in conjunction with the competition.
6. The Airfix Club accepts no responsibility for entries lost in the post or damaged or defaced in any way.
7. No cash equivalent is available. The judges’ decision is final.
Competition Results
Our Airfix competition in Issue 25 promised a great prize bundle consisting of all six Airfix Quickbuild kits. The lucky
winner is: Master George Margetts from Wolverhampton, George is delighted having never won anything before.
Congratulations George!