First Looks For the Month of February 2003

Kit: One of four different versions of the E.III in 1/50 scale offered by DeWayne as single model downloads. Since the models are provided for you across the internet as a PDF file you will need Adobe reader and a color printer to print the model out. The model comes on three sheets of A4 paper, a cover sheet, a sheet with a history and diagrams of the model and a sheet that contains the parts to build the model. The kit contains a detailed engine, cockpit and machine gun. Since this is an open cockpit aircraft there is no canopy necessary. It is recommended that you have some wire or thin dowel and thread to finish the model. 

Construction: Cut out and glue all parts that are marked in red onto a heavy card stock for reinforcement. Cut the two inner side formers out and connect them with the formers provided. Cut the fuselage skin sides out and glue over the inner formers. Cut the top and bottom of the fuselage out and glue between the sides. Build the engine and the cockpit and install the cockpit in the fuselage and the engine to the front of the model. Build the engine cowling and glue over the engine. Insert the wing former through the fuselage and then skin the former with the wing skins. Build and install the landing gear, machine guns and propeller. Even though it is not necessary I recommend that you use some black thread to simulate the wiring on the aircraft. Follow the rigging diagram on the diagram page. 

First Impressions: An interesting model to add to your 1/50 scale collection. Not recommended as a first model as the landing gear and engine are a little complicated. Do not need to be an expert to build the model but some experience will help. 

Kit:  A 1/25 scale model that comes in a booklet. The booklet contains 22 pages of A4 card stock and paper. 16 of the pages are card stock that contains the parts to build the model. Four pages on regular paper are to be glued to a heavier stock for reinforcement and two pages contains diagrams printed on both sides. The inside front cover contains a brief history of the tank in Polish. The inside back cover contains instructions, in Polish, and what looks like a photo etched set of two cards for the vehicle. It looks like even the tracks are on these cards. The inside of the turret is quite detailed containing ammunition and gunner seats. There is no detail for the crew compartment in the lower section of the hull.

Construction: Cut out and glue the parts on the regular paper to a heavy card stock. These parts will be used to make the hull and wheels. Glue reinforced formers together to make the hull form and then glue the hull skins over the form. At this point you want to build the bogie wheels and track for the tank. Build the suspension and wheels and glue to the bottom of the tank and then build the tracks and place around the bogies. You can now decide how detailed you want to make your model. If you do not want to detail the interior just build the main gun and machine gun, install in turret and finish the outside of the hull. If you want more detail then build the engine and main gun and install in the hull. Build the ammunition and gunners positions and glue inside the hull. You can now leave the hatches on top and rear open so that the interior detail can be displayed. 

First Impressions: A beautifully done tank by GPM that contains much more interior detail then they usually put in their models. Not a model for the beginner even though one with a modicum of card modeling experience can build the model if they leave out the interior detailing.  

Kit: This 1/200 scale ship model comes in an A3 booklet that contains 14 pages. Eight pages are of card stock on which the parts of the model are printed on. Four pages on regular paper contain all the formers which are to be glued to a heavy card stock. These parts will be used to build the frame of the ship which will give it the necessary strength and form. Two pages, printed on both sides, contain detailed diagrams which will help you build the model. The inside front cover contains a history and technical specs for the ship both printed in Polish. There is a one page set of instructions written in Polish. The model contains parts to build either a full hull or waterline version of the ship.  

Construction:  The first thing to do is decide which version of the model you want to build, the full hull or waterline model. Now cut the formers out for the version you are going to build and glue them to a heavier card stock. When dry glue the formers together to make the frame for the ship. Cut the decks out and glue them to a heavier card stock and then glue to the top of the frame. Cut the hull sides out and glue them between the deck and base. Build the superstructure of the model on the markings that are on the deck. Cut out the frames for the turrets and glue them to a heavier card stock. When dry assemble the turret frames and then proceed to build the main guns. Glue the guns into the turret and then skin the turret. Build the secondary battery guns and glue into the superstructure. Build the funnels and masts and glue to the deck. Build the anchors, winches, life boats and other detailed parts and glue to their proper places.

First Impressions: A very nice looking ship model, printing and coloring look very good. It is a very large model so make sure you have room before starting. Not recommend for the beginner, ship card modeling experience is necessary before starting on this project.  

Kit:  This 1/33 scale kit comes in a booklet that contains eight sheets of A4 paper and card stock. Two pages are paper one of which contains specifications, history and instructions on how to build the model, all in Polish. The other page contains a diagram of the model and a template for the canopy. Five of the six card stock pages contain the parts to build the model while the sixth sheet contains some parts and several diagrams to help you build the model. The kit contains a detailed cockpit and wheel wells as well as landing gear. No colored card stock canopy is provided, it is assumed that you will use the template to cut a transparent canopy out from some type of transparent material. Coloring is very striking on this model with the top sides being done in green and the tail in a deep blue.

Construction:  Cut out all parts that are marked with "*" and glue them to a heavier card stock. These parts will act as the frame of the aircraft and give the model its shape and strength. The model is built using the frame connecting strip method, in this method each fuselage section is built with a connecting strip and former in one end. When all the sections are finished the they are glued together using the connecting strips to complete the fuselage. Build the cockpit and install it in its proper section before gluing the sections together. Build the wing frame and glue to the top of the fuselage and then cut, roll and glue the wing skins around the frame. Build and attach the ailerons to the rear of the wings. Glue the tail formers to the rear of the fuselage, then cut roll and glue the tail skins around the frames. Build the flying surfaces and glue to the rear of the tail section. Build the landing gear and wheels, when finished glue to the bottom of the fuselage. Using the template and transparent material cut out the canopy and glue over the cockpit. Finish the model by building the wing mounts and missiles and gluing to the bottom of the wing.

First Impressions:  A very nice looking model which will be a great addition to your collection. Not a beginners model but you do not need to be an expert to build this model. It would be a good model to step up from building the simpler models with no internal formers to the more complicated models that use formers.

Kit:  This kit comes on four sheets of card stock and paper. The two sheets of paper are printed on both sides. Included is a history of the vehicle and instructions both in Czech. All four pages have detailed diagrams which will help you to build the model. The two pages of card stock contain all the parts to build the model. There is no clear indicators on what should be reinforced so you will have to determine if any parts do need reinforcing. There is no engine or transmission but there is a detailed suspension system supplied.

Construction: Cut the parts out to build the body of the jeep and glue them together. Cut all the parts out to build the suspension and axles, glue them together and then glue the completed assembly to the bottom of the body. Build the tires and glue them to the axles. Cut the parts out to build the front and rear seats, glue them together and glue the completed assembly into the body of the model. Cut out the instrument panel, wind screen and steering wheel and glue them to the body of the model. Finish up by cutting the accessories out; shovel, axe and jerry can and glue these to the appropriate place on the model.

First Impressions:  Even though this model does not seem to be too difficult to build the lack of instructions and diagrams will hamper the novice builder. In order to successfully build the model you should have experience in building vehicle models so you can figure out how to assemble the parts.

Kit:   This model comes in a booklet that contains five pages of A4 card stock and this includes the cover. The front cover is shown in the picture and the rear cover has parts of the model on it. The kit also contains a sheet of transparent material which is used to make the windscreen and side windows. There is one sheet of instructions in the booklet and on the other side is a sheet of diagrams which consists of a four view of the model with parts marked on it. There is no engine and the transmission is printed on the bottom of the vehicle body. There are certain parts marked with a "'" which I am assuming are to reinforced with a heavier card stock.

Construction: Cut out all the parts that are marked with "'" and glue them to a heavier card stock. Use these reinforced pieces to build the frame of the vehicle. Build the interior of the model, seats, steering wheel, gear shift, etc. and glue them inside the frame before applying the outer skin. Cut the body parts out and then cut the area out for the windows and wind screen. Using the transparent material, cut out pieces to glue to the side parts and windscreen and then glue to the frame. Cut the rest of the parts out needed to complete the body and glue to the frame. Build the headlights and bumpers and glue to the front and rear of the model. Finish up the model by building the wheels and attaching to the sides of the model. 

First Impressions:  Even though this model does not seem to be to difficult to build the lack of instructions and diagrams will hamper the novice builder. In order to successfully build the model you should have experience in building vehicle models so you can figure out how to assemble the parts.

Kit:  This 1/400 scale models comes in a booklet that contains two sheets of card stock A4 in size. The inside front and rear covers contains a history of the ship and instructions to build it both in Polish. The back cover contains a top and side view with parts marked on them. The model is designed to be built as a waterline model and there are no parts included to build a full hull model

Construction:  First thing to do is cut out all the hull formers and deck parts and glue to a heavier card stock. These parts will be used to build a solid frame to which the hull parts will be glued. The building of JSC hulls are different from other ship models in that there is no base plate. The horizontal frame glues to the deck and the vertical frames are glued below the horizontal frame. JSC also use hull side frames which most other ships do not. Once you have reinforced all the frames, glue them together to complete the hull frame. Glue the deck parts and hull sides to this frame. Cut out all the parts for the superstructure and glue to their proper place on the deck. Build the funnel and davits placing then on the deck and then build the lifeboats and glue them to the davits.

First Impressions:  Not a difficult model to build but lack of instructions and diagrams will be a hindrance to building the model. You should have experience in building ship models and in particular JSC ship models before attempting this model.

Kit:  This interesting model comes in a booklet that contains six sheets of card stock A4 in size. The inside front cover, inside rear cover and rear cover itself contain a brief description of the model and nine detailed diagrams which will show you how to build the model. The diagrams are necessary for the non-polish reader as all instructions are in Polish. A detailed cockpit is provided for those who want more detail but a colored canopy is provided for those who do not want to spend the time in detailing the model.

Construction: The model is built in three sections, the fan is in two sections the inside and outside and then the forward part of the aircraft which contains the cockpit. The sections use different methods of construction, the forward part and the outside of the fan use a frame that is then skinned while the inside of the fan uses the former connecting strip method.  Start by building the inner part of the fan with the fan blades attached. Build the outer section of the hull which is much like building a balsa and paper model. You build the frame and then skin the inside and out side of the frame. Glue the inner section of the fan into the outer section. Build the frame for the forward section and when finished apply the skin over the frame. Build the interior of the cockpit and glue inside the forward section and then build the canopy and glue over the cockpit. Glue the forward section to the inner section of the fan.

First Impressions:  A very unusual model that is sure to be a conversation piece. Experience with wooden aircraft models will be of a help in building this model. Due to the different construction methods this is not a model for the beginner.

Kit: A 1/25 scale kit that contains 24 sheets of A4 paper and card stock. The inside cover and three pages contains the history and instructions on how to build the model both in Polish. Three and a half pages contains diagrams to help you build the model. These are especially important if you do not read Polish. Six paper pages contain the frames and other parts. 14 pages of card stock contain the rest of the parts to build the vehicle. The gun compartment is highly detailed as is the crew compartment. There is an engine and much more detail included in the kit. 

Construction: The first thing to do is to cut out all the formers from the paper sheets and glue them to a heavier card stock. Take all the reinforced formers and build the frame for the hull. Build the engine, seats and other parts that go into the crew compartment, Cut out the skin and glue over the frame. Cut out the parts for the suspension and wheels and build them. Glue the suspension and bogies to the bottom of the vehicle and start building the tracks. When the tracks are done glue them around the bogies. Build the gun mount and gun and mount inside the rear of the vehicle. You can now decide if you want to leave the hatches on the front of the vehicle open to display the crew and engine compartment. Of course if you decide not to leave the hatches open you need not spend the time in detailing the crew and engine compartment.

First Impressions: A very nice looking vehicle but one that will require experience in building card vehicle models as the diagrams are not good enough to lead you through the construction.  

Kit: GPM's latest effort is a 1/200 scale model of the Lutzow. The model comes in a booklet that contains eight pages of diagrams and instructions with the instructions in Polish. Four pages of formers on regular paper that are to be glued to heavier card stock for reinforcement. Eight pages of card stock contain all the rest of the parts to build the ship. This is a big booklet being A3 in size. The diagrams are very detailed and will lead even those who do not read Polish through the construction procedure. Parts are included in the model to build either the full hull or waterline version of the model. GPM provides a photo etched set to detail the model and another set that contains metal guns and wooden masts to detail the ship. 

Construction: Decide if you want to build the full hull or waterline version of the model and then cut out the formers for the version you want. Glue the formers to heavier card stock and then assemble the formers into the frame of the ship. Make sure that you keep all formers straight and inline or your model will wind up being warped. Cut the deck parts out and glue them to heavier card stock and then to the top of the frame. Cut the hull sides out and glue them between the base and deck. If you build the full hull model glue the red hull parts around the bottom section of the frame. Cut out the formers for the superstructure and glue to the deck. Cut the parts out needed to build the superstructure and glue around the frame. Do the same for the main gun turrets and then glue them to their place on the deck and superstructure. Build the secondary guns and glue inside the super structure and those in turrets to the top of the superstructure. Build the funnels and lifeboats and glue to the superstructure. 

First Impressions: A large and detailed model that you should not decide to build unless you have the time and space to do it justice. Not a model for the beginner, you should have experience in building card model ships before attempting this model. 

Kit: This 1/33 model is the latest re-release by Gomix of the older Fly Model models. Gomix is in the process of re-releasing all of the older models. This model comes in a booklet that contains four sheets of paper and card stock. There is a history and instructions for the model on the inside of the front cover in Polish. A paper page contains a three view with parts marked on one side and detail diagrams on the other side. Three sheets of card stock contain all the parts needed to build the model. The model contains a detailed cockpit and wheel wells along with a colored card stock canopy if you do not want to detail the cockpit. Upward firing cannon that were used against the B-29's are also provided in the kit.

Construction: First thing to do is to cut out all the formers and glue then to a heavier card stock. The fuselage is built using the "butt and glue" method. Build each fuselage section with a former in each end. Build the cockpit and guns into the indicated section.  Assemble all the fuselage sections to complete the fuselage and now go ahead and build the frames for the tail section and wings. Glue the tail formers to the rear of the model, cut out the skins for the tail and glue around the formers. Glue the wing skins around the wing frame and then glue the completed wing to the fuselage. The engine nacelles are built using the former connecting strip method. Build the nacelle sections with a former and connecting strip on one end and then glue the sections together using the connecting strips to complete the two nacelles. Build the wheel wells into the two nacelles. Now build the landing gear and propellers, gluing the landing gear into the nacelles and the propellers to the front.

First Impressions: Glad to see this model back on the market as it is one that is needed to add to any WWII collection. Not too difficult model to build but since instructions are in Polish you should have aircraft card model experience before attempting the model. 

Kit:  This 1/25 model comes in a booklet that contains eight pages of A4 card stock and paper. Two sheets are paper that contain formers to be used internally to give the model strength. Six pages of card stock contain all the parts needed to build the tank. There is no interior for the tank all details are on the outside. You are able to construct the turret so it can rotate and the main gun elevate and depress. A brief history and instructions for the model are on the inside of the front cover both are in Polish. There is a four view on the inside front cover that shows the placement of parts for the vechile.One of the paper pages does contain about half a page of more detailed diagrams.

Construction:  Internal formers are provided for both the hull and turet.Cut these out from the paper pages and glue to a heavier card stock. Using these formers build the frame for the hull and turret. Cut out the part that contains the bottom and sides of the vehicle and glue to the frame. Cut out and glue the top of the vehicle to the frame. Cut out all the parts to build the suspension and bogie wheels and build these parts. Glue the suspension to the sides of the hull and then the bogie wheels to the suspension. Cut out the parts to make the tracks and assemble them, when finished run the tracks around the bogies. Cut out the rest of the parts to finish the hull and assemble them in their proper positions. Build the main gun and install it into the turret frame, at this point you can build so the gun can elevate and depress or just glue it into position. Cut the parts out to make the turret and glue over the frame then glue the hatches and other parts to the turret. Place the turret in the hull if you want it to move or glue it in position if you do not want it to do so.

First Impressions:  This would be a nice beginner model if more detailed diagrams had been provided. The lack of good diagrams means that you will need experience in building tank models in order to figure out how to build this model. The lack of interior parts will make the model much easier to build for someone just starting to build model tanks.

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)
  ***These dealers sell Models by Marek Kits***
               Spishop
• Fiddler's Green (Chip Fyn) at http://www.fiddlersgreen.net (USA)
• Spishop at Spishop (Czech Republic)
• The Card Modelers Online Magazine at Sale Page (USA)
• Modelik at http://www.modelik.pl/ (Poland)
   ***These dealers sell ModelikKits***
               Spishop