AMK 1:48 Mig 31 B/BS

Review Built  

Part 2

Following on from Part 1 of my build review of AMK's wonderful kit, this time I finish off the build of the engines and engine intakes, add them to the lower fuselage and make a start on the upper fuselage and wings.

First job was to finish off the landing gear bays which are constructed as part of the engine intakes.

 

Again the fit is excelent with no filler and minimal triming required. Painted with Alclad Light Aluminium and to lift the detail in the bays and to make them look nice and dirty I gave them a wash with Mig AMMO Black/Green wash.

Once dry the intakes, bays and the kits engines were added to the lower fuselage. Once again no work was required other than to file the cut sprue flashes.

As you can see the fit and the detail is awesome.

Next job was to build the nose wheel bay and assembly. Once again painted with Alclad Dull Aluminium and made to look used and a bit grubby with the same Mig AMMO wash used on the main landing gear bays.

Once dry, the nose wheel assembly was cemented into the lower fuselage half. The fit being the same as the rest of the kit, it just slotted into place.

At this point the lower fuselage assembly was put to one side and a start was made on the wings and upper fuselage assembly.

As the joins were still drying I only test fitted the upper and lower fuselages halves together, and once again everything fitted perfectly. 

I'm really enjoying this kit and built, the further I get into the build the more I feel that AMK are well on their way to taking away Tamigawa's shake and bake crown.

Next time the upper and lower fuselage halves go together and a start will be made on the cockpit and nose section.

AMK Mig 31 B/BS

Review Build

Part 1 

Following on from my box review of AMK's latest boxing of the Mig 31 Foxhound. I have, as promised started this build review. This part covers the engines and intake assemblies. My first impressions on test fitting the parts are that AMK have, once again produced another beauty. The quality of the fit rivals, if not exceeds some kits from the 'big' manufacturers. Parts fit well requiring no trimming and only require removal of the sprue gate marks left after removing the parts from the main sprue trees. Some of the parts litrerally 'click' together.

 

The first assembly that the instructions call for is the assembly of the rear part of the engines. My research shows that these are painted green when new but with use and the passing of time build up with a 'sandy' coloured exhaust deposit along with some 'sooting'.

I painted the the interior surfaces with MR. Paint US WWII interior green which seems to be a very close match to the reference photos I found on the web. The interior was then weathered with Tamiya Weathering System pigments. Starting with sand and building up with soot and oil stain. I'm pleased with the end result which is what I had in my mind's eye at the start of the stage.

 

The next stage was to put all the engine parts in one half of the engine casings, the turbine assemblies having been painted with Alclad Burnt Iron. All the parts fit well and are located with a 'peg and slot' arangement.

Final assembly of the engine was to cement the opposite half of the engine. Once set the outer surface was again painted with Alclad Burnt Iron. I may pick out some of the impressive detail but I doubt any of it will ever be seen.

 

The next stage that the instructions called for is the assembly of the superbly detailed engine air intakes. Before assembly these were sprayed with Alclad Dull Aluminium, then weathered with a dark grey-black Mig AMMO wash. This really picked out the detail nicely.

 

 Once assembled the intakes look great and the wash add the grimy 'engine look'.

The next stage was to add the undercarriage bays, these were again painted with Alclad 

Dull Aluminium and again weathered with Mig AMMO wash.

This concludes part one of my review build, I plan that the next part will cover assembly of the undercarriage bays and placing the engines in the fuselage, but this of course is subject to how long I can find time to spend at the modelling bench.

1:48 Mig-31B/BS Foxhound 

Avantgarde Models Kits

The Mig-31 Foxhound was designed to replace the Mig-25 Foxbat. Developed in great secrecy, with may improvements over the Mig-25, the Mig-31 succeded in overcoming the Mig 25's short comings. Fitted with advanced radar and a new targeting computer it allowed  the crew to engage multiple targets, also added was a true look down/shoot down ability. The Mig-31B was fitted with in-flight refuelling capability whilst The Mig-31BS was an upgraded base model that eventually replaced  the Mig-31B during the 90s. 

In the Box 

The kit is essentially similar to AMK's earlier Mig-31BS/BSM boxing released in 2015. Based on constructive feedback from the modelling community several improvements have been made such as photo etch seatbelts, instrument decals, Germetika decals for the cockpit and tinted canopy parts.

The box is jam packed with three smaller boxes containing the lower fuselage, forward fuselage and weapons. The remainder of the sprues are in packed in resealable plastic bags. 

Contents:
 

29 x sprues including the afore mentioned parts in boxes.
Two sprues of clear parts in clear and tinted styrene.

Ten smaller sprues for the missiles.
One Photo-Etch (PE) fret of brass.

One instruction booklet.

Two decal sheets. 

Instruction booklet:

The instructions are a 21 page stapled booklet with very detail, fine line drawings and coloured painting guides with Mr Hobby paint call outs.

 The sprues

These are moulded in grey styrene and are very finely engraved and have some lovely detail all very sharp and crisp.

 X2

 X2

The missiles

There are enough missiles provided so that any load out can be catered for (there is a comprehensive load out guide in the instruction booklet).

 X4 Vympel R-33 AA-9 Amos long range missiles

X2 R-40 AA-6 Acrid long range missiles

 X4 R-60 AA-8 Aphid Infrared missiles

Clear parts

Two sprues are provided allowing you to build a plane with totally clear canopies or with 'gold' tinted canopies.

Photo Etch

This includes among other parts, the seat harnesses, radar emitter antenna.

Decals 

 Out of the box you can build three versions using the supplied decals

• Mig-31BS 16 Blue Russian Air Force, Chelyabinsk-Shagol Airbase 2014.
• Mig-31BS 23 Red Kazakhstan Air Force, 2012.
• Mig-31B 73 Blue one of several operated by the training unit at Savasleyka Air Base.

Conclusion

Was it possible for AMK to improve on their already impressive BS/BSM offering? You bet it was, after listening to the feedback provided by the modelling community AMK in my opinion have upped the stakes when it comes to modern kits. Good moulding, detail, weapons instruction and decals along with a willingness to work with their customers are marking AMK out as a kit manufacturer to watch in the future.

It has been said by some modellers that by producing a Russian aircraft, AMK will only attract a niche proportion of the modelling community. That said, I don't normally build modern jet aircraft but this kit will be at the top of my build pile so watch out for a build review on Mish's Models Facebook page in the very near future.

Many thanks to AMK who via Mr James Hatch of Large Scale Models forum kindly provided this review sample.

Grex TritiumTG3 Airbrush

  Dual Action Pistol Style Airbrush

Part of the Tritium Series, premium line of double action pistol style airbrushes, the TG combines ease-of-use, comfort, superior detail control and the versatility of using the perfect top gravity cup size for your project. Coupled with several unique and patented features, this airbrush truly is a Grex.

 I have been thinking of buying a Grex airbrush for some time on the advice of some of my American modelling friends. However with no active Grex distributor in the UK, I was reluctant to order one from America. I then learnt that there was a new distributor in the UK. Whilst talking to Sean Middleton the owner of TopNotch Models about his masks he told me that he was in the process of becoming a dealer for Grex Airbrushes. I expressed my interest in buying a TG3 but wanted to try one before buying. Sean invited me to his home to try his own TG3. A mutually convenient date was arranged. Sean invited me to bring a selection of my favourite paints to try with the TG3.

Sean and I spent an afternoon trying my various paints in his TG3 with a selection of nozzle and needle sets. At the end of the afternoon, I was hooked and placed an order for a TG3. A few weeks later my TG3 arrived as promised.

As you will see from the above photo the TG3 comes well packaged and is supplied with three paint cup sizes and a selection of hose connections. After my afternoon with Sean, I had opted to order my TG3 with a 0.3mm needle/nozzle. However I could have chosen either or:

0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm and 0.7mm

As you handled a Grex airbrush you are immediately aware of the solid build quality. They just exude quality, they are solid, smooth in action and comfortable to hold.

I bet right now you are looking or even concerned about the pistol styling of the TG3 and the 'trigger' style action? Well, I was dubious at first but after a few minutes of using the airbrush, I was sold on the concept. It is more controllable and comfortable than the conventional button/lever option on most airbrushes. However, if you're not convinced you can always opt for the Grex Genesis XGi which has the more conventional button/lever arrangement.

Let me now tell you of some of the features that are standard with the TG3:

• Interchangeable top mount reservoirs.
• Inline top mount cups offer balanced handling of the airbrush.
• Preset adjustment knob for precise paint volume control.
• Replaceable solvent proof Teflon seals allows use of all media.
• Three reservoirs: 2mL (1/20 oz.), 7mL (1/4 oz.) and 15mL (1/2 oz.).
• Quick-Fit™ crown cap allows detailed spraying close to work surface.
• Easy-to-use "pull" trigger controls both air and paint.
• Ergonomic pistol handgrip with a textured surface for a firm comfortable grip.

Conclusion:

The Grex series of airbrushes are the 'Rolls Royce' of airbrushes, and like a Rolls Royce, they are comfortable and exude class. Yes, you're going to pay a little more for a Grex but this cost will be offset by the extra life you will get. To give you some idea, in just over seven years of modelling I've already worn out two 'quality' airbrushes. I'm expecting this TG3 to outlast both of them. Anyway, it's worth that little bit extra to get an airbrush that is comfortable to hold and use, cleans easy and with its interchangeable paint cups and nozzle caps is more versatile, out of the box than any other airbrush I have come across in ten years of modelling.

I would like to thank Sean of TopNotch Models to whom I am indebted for his hospitality and help in selecting and purchasing this Grex TG3.

  

MR. PAINT

 Acrylic Paint for Airbrushing

MR.PAINT is a Slovak firm who focus on producing paints for modellers. Their colours allow modellers to use authentic colours and tones and to be assured that they are correct.  

The paints  we have are designed specifically to be used with an airbrush. All paints are pre-thinned for immediate use with a 0.3mm nozzle, however I use them with a 0.2mm nozzle with no problems. The manufacturer suggests that further thinning may be required with smaller diameter nozzles and for this they recommend our own thinning agent, MR.THINNER. However I never found that I needed to thin the paints.

 I found that MR. PAINT worked best for me at a pressure of 5psi (0.35 bar) using my H & S Evolution using a 0.2mm Needle/Nozzle set. At this pressure I found MR. PAINT to be the most controllable and was I was able to do some very fine modelling on my 1:32 Revell Bf 109G-10.

Conclusion:

Am I sold on this new paint? You bet I am, if there is any disadvantage it is the smell and the need to use in a well ventilated room, on account of it being a lacquer based acrylic paint. What I love is the ease of use, ease of cleaning the airbrush. 

The paint sprays like Alclad and has the covering and translucent qualities of Mr Hobby Gunze Aqueous.

I highly recommend this paint for the dedicated modeller.

I am indebted to and wish to thank Mr James Hatch of Large Scale Modeller for his help in securing these paints for trial and review.

Coastal Kits Display Bases

1:32 German Frigate Helicopter Pad

 

Gary from Coastal Kits was kind enough to send me the 1:32 sized version from his German Frigate Helipad Base for review. On arrival the base was as described. Constructed from durable, hard wearing 3mm Foamex board, which is a rigid, weatherproof plastic. The design is printed with the latest odourless latex ink onto laminated matt vinyl that gives a near photographic quality base. This all makes for a rigid but light display base.

The obvious candidate to be displayed on this base was my 1:32 Revell Lynx Mk.88 in Marineflieger colours.

 

The Range 

Coastal Kits range are ideal whether you are an experienced modeller looking to display your favourite model kit, or are looking to enter the world of diorama building, Coastal Kits display base range is an ideal way of bringing your model kits to life. The most popular designs are available in all scales from 1:144 to 1:32, with some bases avail able in the less popular but specialist scales of 1:43, 1:35, 1:24, 1:20 and 1:16

As you will guess from the above scales there are bases for Armour, Vehicles and even some for maritime modellers.

   

The Company

Founded in 2011, Coastal Kits is a family run business based in Blackpool, Lancashire UK and originally retailed plastic model kits and associated hobby supplies.

 

During the latter end of 2012/early 2013 they introduced to market their own range of display bases, encouraged by a successful launch at Scale Model World Telford where they were well received. Because of the success and popularity of the product they decided to concentrate solely on the manufacture and supply of display bases.

 

Continually developed, and after listening closely to their customers, the range covers a variety of popular scales and subjects with a choice of over 220.  Custom bases are also provided to customer requirements when requested.

 

Conclusions

If you're looking for an easy and inexpensive way to improve the display of your models Then a Coastal Kits Base is for you.

Many thanks to Gary from Coastal Kits for sending this review sample.

Coastal Kits can be contacted HERE and their Facebook page is HERE

Review - MIG AMMO Panel Line Washes - Early RAF Fighters and Bombers

MIG AMMO Panel Line Washes

Early RAF Fighters and Bombers

I have heard good reports about mig AMMO Panel Line Washes (PLW), so I decided to give them a try. Having never used enamel based washes before I did a little research, referencing mig AMMO's YouTube channel, the mig AMMO Weathering (Planes) magazine and got some excellent advice from my good friends Lloyd King and Dave Oliver.

 

As a test I chose the RAF Fighters and Bombers pack as I was in the middle of my 1:32 Revell Spitfire Mk.II build and thought this would be a good opportunity to give them a try.

 

The set consists of three washes. Storm Grey, Neutral Brown and Stone Grey. The bottles are about the same diameter as Tamiya/Gunze bottles so fit nicely into at rack designed for 36mm bottles.

I won't got into the technique for using them here but I found that they needed to be left to dry, once applied to the model, overnight before removing the excess. 

Once removed the overall finish is subtle as can be seen on my Spitfire.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

As long as you use the recognised method of application and removal of excess wash then you shouldn't go wrong and finish up with a lovely subtle panel finish on you model. I highly recommend these washes. I've already added another two sets to my wash collection.