This was a fairly basic kit by KP of the famous Kingfisher float plane as I recall but the object of the exercise was really to experiment once again with a sea base. I added the pilots and the chaps being rescued in the dinghy! I think it looks fairly realistic but I still hope to improve my sea base technique!
Not much to say about this one except it was a fun build and experimenting with a sea base for only the second time. The diminutive aircraft were very finicky to say the least and especially adding the decals! The complement is made up of Dauntlesses, Wildcats and Devastators.
This diorama turned out to be a fairly lengthy process stretching over several weeks in the end but I think the results justified the effort and time. The M3A2 is showing its age a bit from the 70s and the figures are not up to today’s standards, but still a lovely kit. The M10 Achilles British tank destroyer just exudes quality and is packed with details which I have tried to display in the photos. Must rank as one of Tamiya’s very best kits of recent years.
This was my first venture into Allied armour of WW2 in the European as opposed to North African theatre. However, I am sure it wont be my last! But have no doubt, I shall be returning to the eastern front forthwith! Watch this space!!
This was a fine quality model by Chinese manufacturer Kinetic only let down by extremely poor instructions, lack of comprehensive painting guidance, and no ordnance whatsoever!
Apart from that, the build itself was relatively straightforward. I added a lot of weight inside the nose, as with the tri-cycle undercarriage configuration, it would have been a tail sitter.
Twenty-four Pucaras were deployed by Argentina to the Falkland islands but were destroyed by the British at Goose Green and Pebble Island before the start of major hostilities (1982). Some captured Pucaras were returned to the UK and displayed in museums.
Here is what Kinetic says about the Pucara
… Argentine ground-attack and counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft manufactured by the Fabrica Militar de Aviones. It is a low-wing twin-turboprop all-metal monoplane with retractable landing gear, capable of operating from unprepared strips when operationally required. The type saw action during the Falklands War and the Sri Lankan Civil War.
The Pucara (Quechua:Fortress) was designed for operations from short, rough airstrips. The retractable tricycle landing gear, with a single nosewheel and twin mainwheels retracting into the engine nacelles, is fitted with low pressure tyres to suit operations on rough ground, while the undercarriage legs are tall to give good ground clearance for underslung weapons loads.
The Pucara, the best thing to ever come out of Argentina apart from Diego Maradona!!
Light Attack Squadron 4 (VAL-4) “Black Ponies”, Binh Thuy, Vietnam 1971
Copper State Models of Latvia make superlative vehicles and figures from the First World War and just after era. The instruction booklets for the models are done in a very authentic period style. Highly recommended to modellers who enjoy doing something a little different!
Famous as the onboard catapult launch plane of the German Navy’s capital ships. A very robust aircraft with 9-cylinder BMW radial engine. The pilot came from the air force, the observer was usually a member of the Navy and served as gunner and navigator. The large ventral float carried the fuel tank, two smoke dischargers as well as emergency provisions and extra ammunition.
The Semovente was the most successful of Italian tracked AFVs in World War 2. It was simpler to build than the tank on which it was based, and its low silhouette was a tactical advantage.