First Looks For the Month of August 2003

Bf 109	Published by Cardmodels.net
Designer:	Emil Zarkov
Description:	WWII German Fighter

Kit       The second of two new 1/32 models from Dr. Zarkov to be released by Cardmodels.net. The other is a Whirlwind which was reviewed in the July issue of this column. The model I received was electronically transferred in PDF format. If you receive the model in this format you will need Adobe Reader, a good quality card stock and a color printer to print the model out. The kit contains four pages of colored card stock, one of which has optional parts to make a second version. One page of parts to be glued onto heavier card stock, one sheet of connectors on regular paper. There is a page that is to be printed on transparent material. Do not try this on your laser printer as it will melt the transparent material. Ink jets will not work as the ink will just rub off the transparent material. You will need to find a copier and copy this page on transparent material. Five pages of detailed diagrams are provided to lead you through the construction of the model.

Construction:   Dr. Zarkov's fuselages are built using the former and connecting strip method. You build each fuselage section with a connecting strip and former in one end. When finished building the sections you glue them together using the connecting strips. Be sure that you construct the cockpit and glue it into the proper section before gluing all the sections together. Cut the formers out for the tail section and wings. After you have assembled the formers, cut the skins out and glue them over the formers. Build the landing gear and wheels and glue the main into the nacelles and the rear to the tail. Build the propeller and spinners, then glue them to the front of the fuselage. A colored card stock canopy is provided if you do not want to detail the cockpit.

First Impressions:   Without a doubt Emil Zarkov is one of the best card model designers in the world. He gives the builder the choice of how detailed they want the model to be. His instructions are very detailed showing construction step by step. Because of this the model is buildable by card modelers of all skill levels.

Kit:   A 1/25 German Tank model that comes in booklet form. The booklet contains 14 A4 pages, eight of which are of card stock that contain the parts to build the model. One page contains formers to be reinforced to give the model internal strength. A page of history and another of instructions are included but both are in Polish. Two pages of detailed diagrams and a single page with a four view of the tank should be enough for non-Polish speakers to build the model. Also include are two pages of color photos, one that has pictures of the completed model and the other has several pictures of the completed model along with pictures of other tanks in this series. This model does not have an interior, GPM concentrates on outside detailing rather than interior. Included is a tank commander figure that can be inserted in the top hatch.

Construction:   The first thing to do is to take all the parts that are on the plain paper sheet and glue them to a heavier card stock. Use these reinforced pieces to build the interior of the hull, these pieces will give the tank the strength to hold everything together. Now cut all the colored pieces out to build the hull and glue these over the framework you just built. Cut out and form all the wheels and bogies and glue to the bottom of the hull. Then cut the parts out to make the tracks, build them and glue around the wheels and bogies. Use the reinforced formers to build the frame for the turret. Cut the colored pieces for the outside of the hull from the card stock and glue around the frame. Build the main gun and insert inside the turret. Build and attach all the hatches for both the hull and turret. Start detailing the hull, build the engine covers and exhaust and attach to the rear of the hull. If you so desire build the tank commander and put him in the hatch on top of the turret.

First Impressions:   Another fine tank model by GPM. Even though the exterior detail is outstanding, there is not so much detail to make it difficult for the average card model builder. This model is buildable for anyone with basic card modeling skills.

Kit:   A 1/50 scale kit that is now being delivered electronically across the net. Previously these kits were only available in the U.S. on CD with several other aircraft. You will need Adobe Reader and a color printer to print this model out. The model comes on two sheets of A4 paper. One sheet contains a history and the specifications for the model and the other sheet contains the parts to build the model The model contains the parts to build the cockpit and the engine. Coloring on this model is very sticking. The basic color is silver with green and brown on the ends of the wing.

Construction:   Cut out all the parts that have the numbers in red and glue them to a heavier card stock. These reinforced pieces will be used for strength and shaping of the fuselage, wings and tail. The basic fuselage consists of four pieces. Cut the piece out that has both sides and the forward top part and bend this to shape. Glue the reinforced formers inside this piece as well as the parts to make the cockpit. Cut the top and bottom parts of the fuselage out and glue to the main part of the fuselage. Cut the bottom parts of the wing out , glue the reinforcing piece inside the wing and then glue the sections to each side of the fuselage. Do the same thing to the tail sections and glue these to the rear of the aircraft. Cut the wing struts out, insert a flat toothpick or thin wire inside the strut for strength. Glue these struts to the bottom wing. Glue the parts of the top wing over the reinforcing piece and then glue to the struts on the bottom wing. Build the landing gear, using the same strengthening that you did with the struts, and glue to the bottom of the fuselage. Build the wheels and attach to the landing gear. Build the engine and glue to the forward part of the fuselage, then build the cowl that goes around the engine.

First Impressions:   A simple little model to build but it includes enough detail to satisfy any modeler. Not recommended for a beginner as most biplanes are more difficult to build than a monoplane.

Kit:   This HO scale model of a two car Electric Trolley comes in a booklet 13" by 9 1/4" in size. The booklet contains two sheets of card stock. The back of the cover has formers and a base that looks like the street all to be glued on to a heavier card stock. The inside of the back cover contains detailed diagrams of the model as well as a color side view of the completed model. The back cover has directions, in Polish, along with templates for the wire parts needed to complete the model. The model contains the complete interior of the trolley as well as the engineers compartment. Parts are provided to build the electric poles and the conductor that runs from the train to the pole.

Construction:   First glue all the parts that are on the back of the front cover on to a heavy card stock. Now build the frame and when completed build the wheels and suspension and glue to the bottom of the frame. Cut out the sides for the car, cut the windows out and glue transparent material where the windows should be. Start building the interior of the car, cut and build all the seats and glue to their proper position in the car. When completed cut form and glue the roof to the car. Build the engineers compartment with all the controls inside and glue the front of the car. Build the street with rails on it and then build the poles that contain the electric lines. Using the templates on the back of the front cover make the connectors that run from the top of the car to the electric lines. Mount your trolley on the rails and you are finished.

First Impressions:   A very colorful little trolley. Does not look overly difficult to make and would make a great family project.

Kit:   A 1/250 scale model that comes in booklet form. The A4 booklet contains 16 pages, 14 of which are of card stock. The other two are regular paper that contain the history , instruction and some detailed drawings. The history and instructions are in Polish but the model I got from H & B Precision models contains two pages, front and back, with the history and instructions in English. The inside of both the front and back covers contain a top and side view of the model with parts marked as well as several detailed diagrams of different parts. The card pages have parts printed on both sides if both of those sides can be seen on the completed model. Printing and colors of the model are some of the best I have ever seen.

Construction:   Construction of the hull of this ship is slightly different than most ship models I have seen. There are four pieces that you cut out and make triangles out of and then glue the internal hull formers to. Glue heavier card stock to the formers, deck and base before starting as this will help give the model strength and keep it from warping. Glue the completed four former sections to the base sections and then glue the sides of the hull to the tabs on the formers. Glue the reinforced deck sections to the top of the formers. Cut the parts out for the superstructure and glue to the proper positions on the deck. Build the four main turrets with their barbettes and glue to the gun positions that are marked on the deck. Build the other guns and position them on the deck and in the superstructure. Build the funnels, masts and search lights and glue to the deck of the ship. Build the different types of boats and cutters and mount on the davits.

First Impressions:   A very important ship in warship development and belongs in any collectors collection. Does not appear to be to difficult to build but I would recommend some card modeling experience before attempting the model

Kit:   A series of three Formula one racers from the Spinler company . The racers come in booklet form that contains seven pages of A4 card stock. There is a page with instructions for all three racers printed on both sides in Czech. There are also three sets of diagrams located on the back on the front cover and both sides of the cover which are detailed enough to help anyone build the models. These are very detailed little models that contain the engines, suspensions and cockpits for each racer. The models can be built so that the wheels rotate. Colors and printing are sharp and very colorful on each of the three models.

Construction:   Since the construction of all three models is the same I will just cover this area in general terms. Start construction by building the frame of the car. Then determine if you want the wheels to rotate or not, if so install the axils so the rotate , if not just glue the axils to the frame. Build the wheels and glue to the axils. If the car you are building has an engine build it at this time and glue it to the frame. Build the body of the car and glue it to the frame and then build the cockpit inside the body. Add the spoilers, mirrors and other details at this point.

First Impressions:   Just looking at the kits, it looks as if these three cars will make up into impressive models. Do not appear to be to difficult to build but I would recommend that you have some card modeling experience before attempting these models.

Kit:   The latest 1/33 aircraft release from Maly Modelarz. The model comes in an A4 booklet that contains six pages. Four pages of card stock that contain the parts to build the model, four pages of regular paper that contain the instructions to build the model, in Polish, and detailed diagrams. The diagrams are specific enough so that even if you do not read Polish you will have no problems building the model. The model contains the parts to build a detailed cockpit and wheel wells. Also provided is a colored card stock canopy for those who do not want to spend the time in detailing the cockpit. Printing and colors of the model is outstanding, markings are correct and sharp.

Construction:   The fuselage is built using the "butt and glue" method. Each fuselage section is built with a former in each end and when all the sections are complete the are butted and glued together. As you build each section make sure that you put the internal parts inside before gluing the formers over the ends. The first thing to do is cut all the formers out and glue to a heavy card stock. Then I would recommend that you build the cockpit so that it can be slipped into part 11 when you build it. Once you have the fuselage completed then build the frames for the tail section and wings. Glue the tail and wing skins over the formers and glue to the fuselage. Build the wheel wells inside the wings and then build the landing gear and tires. When finished glue the landing gear into the wheel wells and the wheels to the landing gear. Build the spinner and propeller blades and glue them together. Finally glue the completed assembly to the front of the aircraft and then all the bulges and intakes to the fuselage.

First Impressions:  A very nice looking kit at a good price. Not a model for the beginner but you do not need to be an expert to build an impressive model.

Kit:   A new series of models from Latvia sent to me by Peter Heesch of H&B; Precision Models. This company has "Three-Demensional Model From Paper With Assembly Instructions for Children" on the cover. Looking at the kit I would agree but would also add that this line would be great for the beginner in the hobby. The model comes in a booklet form that contains 10 sheets of card stock. The inside of the front and back cover has a set of step by step instructions and there are several views of the completed model on the back cover with the parts marked. The parts of the model are all large which will make it easy for young children to build the model and easier for the beginner to gain experience in building card models. Even with all this the model is well printed with a lot of detail and will make up into a nice looking model.

Construction:   First build the base that the fortress will be mounted on. Then build the walls and mount them to the base. Construct the different levels on the inside of the walls with the stairs for all the people to move from level to level and then build the roof and glue to the top of the walls. Build the turrets and glue them to the base between the walls. Build the chimneys and glue to the proper position on the top of the roof. After the main fortress if finished there are several out buildings that need to be built and glued to the base. Finish up by building the outside walls and the entry ramp.

First Impressions:   This is a model for the beginner but looking at the printing and pictures of the completed model, this is a model that will enhance your collection no matter what skill level you are at.

Kit:   I will start this review with WOW! This has to be the most detailed card model that I have ever seen. It comes in a book, not a booklet, that contains 60 pages of card stock. The instructions and history are in German but there are 44 pages of detailed diagrams that lead you step by step through the construction of the model. The book has a page that shows six photo etched sheets that are available for the model. The model can be built either as a full hull ship or a water line model .All the guns on the ship can be made to rotate and elevate. Four catapult aircraft are provided . The printing and coloring of the kit is just outstanding.

Construction:   Even with all the detail the construction of the model is much the same as I have seen for most card model ships. The first thing that you are going to do is to build the frame for the hull. I suggest spot gluing the base to a piece of wood to insure that you get no warping as you glue the formers together. Cut all the formers out and glue them to a heavier card stock to insure you have the strength need to keep the shape of the basic shop. Glue all the vertical and horizontal formers to the base. Reinforce the deck parts before gluing to the frame and when finished glue the sides of the hull between the base and deck. At this point remove the hull from the piece of wood and add the lower hull if you want a full hull model. Build the barbettes and install inside the deck. Now start building the super structure adding the many detail parts as you go along. Build the funnels and fire control units and glue to the super structure. Build the main and secondary guns and turrets and insert into the barbettes so they can rotate. Build all the anti aircraft guns and distribute across the decks. Build the anchors, masts, lifeboats and other details and glue them to their proper places on the decks and super structure.

First Impressions:   A very impressive model that will be the prize of your collection. This is not a model for the beginner and make sure that you have the time to build this model before starting.

Kit:   This is one of a series of modern day 1/50th scale military aircraft that are offered by this Japanese company. No one at the company speaks English nor will they accept credit cards. In order to pay for these models you must use a system called C Check. For further information on this company and how to purchase models from them go to P Model. The models are delivered over the internet in PDF format so you will need Adobe Reader and an ink jet printer to print the model out. The model comes in A4 format, 11.69 by 8.28 inch, so you will need some legal size, 14 by 8.5 inch, card stock to print the model out on. This model comes on 16 pages of A4 paper, eight of the pages being instructions and eight contain the parts to build the model. The instructions are in Japanese but the diagrams that accompany them are extremely detailed. They show you step by step how to construct the model. The model does not have a cockpit and the canopy is colored card stock. Detailed wheel well and landing are provided or if you want to display your model with wheels up, a nice stand is provided. The following weapons are provided with the kit; two AIM-9 Sidewinders, two Mk. 82 bombs, two AGM-65 Mavericks and four Mk-20 Rockeyes.

Construction:   Construction of the fuselage uses several different methods. The forward part of the fuselage uses the same techniques that Fiddlers Green's models do. Tabs are located on one end of the fuselage section and is inserted into the next section with no internal formers. As you proceed aft formers are used to maintain the fuselage shape but the connecting tabs are still attached to the fuselage section. As you build the fuselage make sure that you follow the directions and build and install the canopy, gun and forward wheel well when the instructions direct you to. After you finish the fuselage start on the wings, wing rigs are provided to give you the correct shape and I would recommend reinforcing them. Make sure that you build the wheel wells and install them in the wing before gluing the wing skin shape. Build the tail section using the formers, again I recommend reinforcing them, provided. When wing and tail are finished glue to the fuselage and build and glue weapons mounts to the bottom of the wing. Now build the two engines and mountings and glue to the rear of the fuselage. Build the landing gear and glue to the proper places. Finish our model by building and placing the weapons provided.

First Impressions:   The artwork on this model is outstanding I am building my first model from this company at this time and am finding that fit is very good. At 500 Yen, $4.17, this a very good price for this quality model. Because the instructions are in Japanese and the diagrams take a little time to figure out, I would not recommend this model for a beginner.

Kit:   I am not sure what this tower is exactly but at HO it will fit in with your model train set or HO scale model collection. The model comes in an A4 booklet that contains four pages of card stock. The inside front cover has a history of the tower but it is in Polish and since I can not read that language, I can't tell you anything about it. The back cover has instructions, in Polish, and a very nice set of detailed diagrams. As with all GPM models the printing and coloring are outstanding. Detailing is down to the bricks on the tower.

Construction:   Cut out the base , I would recommend that you glue the base onto a heavier piece of card stock for support. All parts to be reinforced have their numbers in a yellow circle, a nice touch for those of us who do not speak Polish. Cut the parts out for the base of the tower and glue them together . When finished glue the base of the tower to the base and start on the main part of the tower. Cut the main tower out and cut the window openings out. Glue the windows into the tower and then glue this part of the tower onto the base. Cut the top of the tower out and glue the windows in the sides. Glue the top to the main part of the tower. Build the spire for the top, glue it to the top of tower. Build the attached building and glue to the base.

First Impressions:   Another great building by GPM to add to your collection. Not difficult to build and should be buildable by a beginner.

Kit:   A 1/25 scale model of 1939 Polish locomotive with its tender that comes in a booklet. The booklet contains eight sheets of A4 paper and card stock. There is one page of paper to be glued to a heavier card stock for reinforcement and one sheet of paper that contains detailed construction diagrams. The inside of the front cover contains a history and building instructions that are in Polish. The inside of the back cover contains a four view of the engine and tender with all parts marked. The engine contains a lot of detail and the coloring of the model is very striking. Made up of mostly green and red it will really stand out in your collection.

Construction:   First glue all the parts on the paper page to heavy card stock to give support and shape to your model. Start by building the frame of the engine and then add the wheels and drivers. Build the steam tank and mount on the frame, add the smoke stack, whistle and steam valve. Build the cab, detailing the inside and glue to the frame and tank. Start on the tender, building the frame and wheels first, finishing by building the tender itself and gluing to the frame. Attach the tender to the locomotive and start to detail the model. Build the lights and connectors and glue to the proper place on the locomotive and tender.

First Impressions:   A very nice looking model with lots of detail. Not a model for the beginner, due to the detailing it will take some card modeling experience to finish the model.

Kit:   This is the latest 1/33 scale aircraft release from Marek. It is available in electronic form from DeWayne Barnett and is delivered in a PDF file that contains 11 pages of A4 size. You will need Adobe Reader, a color printer and card stock that will except 11.69 by 8.28 inch printing. You can print on regular 11 by 8.5 card stock but to do this you will have to select print to fit in Adobe and your model will no longer be 1/33 scale. The 11 pages consist of a cover sheet , a sheet containing the history of the aircraft, three sheets of detailed diagrams and six sheets of card stock that contain the parts to build the model. Parts are provided to build a detailed cockpit but if you do not want to do this a colored card stock canopy is provided. Since this aircraft has fixed landing gear no wheel wells are provided but the parts are there to build a detailed set of landing gear.

Construction:   The fuselage of this aircraft is primarily of the "butt and glue method". In this method each fuselage section is built with a former in each end and when all the sections are completed, they are glued together to complete the fuselage. The forward section of the fuselage in this plane is built differently. In this case you build a skeleton with formers and then glue the skin over the formers. Each piece of skin has connectors glued to the end so that you can glue the next section to it. Before building the fuselage you need to decide if you are going to detail the cockpit. If you do intend to detail the cockpit you need to do this before you insert the formers in the ends of the section that contain the cockpit. After you have finished the fuselage build the frames for the wings. Cut and glue the wing skin over the formers and when complete glue to the fuselage. Build the frames for the tail section. Then glue the skin of the tail over the frame and glue to the rear of the aircraft. Finish your model off by building the landing gear and propeller.

First Impressions:   Marek has established himself as one of our best card model designers. His 1/50 scale series is the best collection of WWII aircraft I have ever seen. With the introduction of the 1/33 scale he is quickly doing the same for the 1/33 scale area. His models are not for beginners but they are of aircraft that have not been seen in card modeling before. This model fits this bill, here is another great model that we have not seen before and will be a great addition to your collection.

This column does not cover all the new card model aircraft and ships that have been released this month. It contains only those models that have been sent to me by dealers and designers for review or that I have purchased for review. Due to space restrictions, some models sent in for review may be held over until next month.

Thanks to the following for providing kits for inspection and review:

• Models by Marek (DeWayne Barnett) at http://www.teuton.org/~dbarnett (USA)
• Fiddler's Green (Chip Fyn) at http://www.fiddlersgreen.net (USA)
• Paper Models International (Lou Dausse) at http://www.papermodels.net (USA)
• HMV (Liane Str�ver) at http://www.moduni.de (Germany)
• H&B Precision Card Models (Peter Heesch)H&B; Precision Card Models(USA)
• Spishop at Spishop (Czech Republic)
• The Card Modelers Online Magazine at Sale Page (USA)
• Ron Burns at http://www.cardmodels.net (USA)

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