AT LAST - F-35 LIGHTNING II SCALE MODEL APPROACHING

SMN REPORT:

Newcomer kit-maker Kitty Hawk Models has already received praise for its excellent inaugural model, the 1:48 scale Lockheed F-94C Starfire. And now here’s a really badly needed subject to the same scale, the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II.

FROM POLITE ROBO-DOG TO SNARLING KILLER-CANINE - DOCTOR WHO K-9 UPGRADE

SMALLSPACE COUNTDOWN:

The smallspace “model show for all things space, science fiction and fantasy” will be held this Sunday, July 1, and among the sci-fi stars on display will be the original K-9 robot dog from Doctor Who.

ROBOT PLANE RETURNS FROM ORBIT - AND A 1:48 SCALE VERSION LANDS ON YOUR WORKTOP

DAVID JEFFERIS REPORTS:

The X-37B mini-Space Shuttle made a landing recently, after a record-breaking orbital flight lasting nearly 15 months. Its missions are US Air Force secrets, but the appearance is less so - and with this latest 1:48 scale kit, you can add a state-of-the-art robotic spacecraft to your display shelf.

WHAT IS THE SMALLEST-EVER MODEL KIT?

MAT IRVINE MINI-WEEKENDER:

Here’s a pub quiz-style question for you: “What is the smallest-ever model kit?” And the answer is: “Probably the one featured here!” It’s a tiny two-piece model of a Nike Hercules surface-to-air missile, apparently made by Revell - except that it wasn’t...

HLJ ‘PLASMO’ SALE - BARGAINS IN JAPANESE KITWARE

DAVID JEFFERIS REPORTS:

Hobby Link Japan has some tasty sale bargains in the ‘plasmo’ (plastic model) line for Japanese hardware enthusiasts. Here are just a few of the dozens of offers, many at less than half-price.

SMALLSPACE - THE NEW MODEL SHOW FROM THE HAMEX TEAM

The new model show from the HaMeX organisers is arriving soon, with liftoff planned for Stardate: July 1, 2012. The smallspace event will feature a galaxy of space, science-fiction and fantasy modelling.

INCOMING - REVELL TEST SHOTS OF 1:32 SCALE HEINKEL He 219 UHU

SMN report:

More test shot pix from Revell, with these tasters for the big new 1:32 scale Heinkel He 219 Uhu night fighter. From the look of these pictures, this new kit will be well worth a look when it’s released.

INCOMING - CORGI 'FLIGHT' AIRCRAFT RANGE

SMN report:

Here’s a new set of familiar faces from Corgi, in the form of the new-tool Flight range. The first wave consists of seven aircraft, five from World War II, plus a pair of modern jets.

INCOMING - REVELL REVEALS TEST SHOTS OF BIG SEA LYNX HELICOPTER KIT

SMN report:

Here’s a hugely interesting kit, and it’s coming our way after the summer. The Revell Sea Lynx Mk.88, optionally a HAS Mk.3, will be produced to big 1:32 scale, making it a must-build for helo fans.

MUSEUM-QUALITY MODELS FROM GAMLA MODEL MAKERS

SMN WEEKENDER:

This extremely accurate and detailed military machine is the work of the pro-builder Gamla Model Makers, and is typical of the high-grade work produced, that ranges from AFVs through architecture, to promotional models. 

INCOMING - STAR TREK FANS STAND BY FOR NEW MOVIE COLLECTIBLES

SMN REPORT:

The collectibles industry is on the march, aiming to sign up for tie-ins to the next Star Trek movie. The 2009 Star Trek reboot by director J.J. Abrams breathed new life into the franchise, so it’s great to hear that licensing deals are already slotting into place.

STEAMPUNKS UNITE - COPPER AND STEEL MINI FROM CARLEX

SMN REPORT:

Like sci-fi? Like steampunk? Like cars? Like a kit bash? Then here’s an idea for you. It’s a full-size customized show car, the Mini Countryman Steampunk edition from Carlex Design of Poland.

IN MEMORIAM - THE PASSING OF A TRUE MODEL ENTHUSIAST

AN APPRECIATION BY MAT IRVINE:

If you have an interest in model cars, particularly Revell-Monogram 1950s-era American cars, you can likely thank Bill Lastovich, who sadly died on June 7, 2012, age 71.

SMALL SCALE APOLLO KITS - AND A CHANGE OF COUNTRIES

MAT IRVINE WEEKENDER:

Here’s an intriguing duo of kits from Revell-Germany, a 1:100 scale Apollo pair, one titled: “Apollo: Command Module”, the other a same-scale “Apollo: Lunar Module Eagle.” There’s an intriguing aspect to this.

WOW! INSIDE-OUT MEGA-BUILD P-51D MUSTANG FROM ZOUKEI-MURA

SMN REPORT:

More goodness from Zoukei-Mura is about to fly your way, with a “build from the inside out” Mustang, that’s just packed with interior detail.

CHINESE INVASION! INCOMING KITS FROM TRUMPETER

DAVID JEFFERIS REPORTS:

Trumpeter has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with a mass of kits in scales large and small. And here comes a wave of new releases from this Chinese manufacturer, starting with some unusual armour subjects. Leading the charge is Trumpeter’s take on the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV), a weapon system that’s seen service in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Trumpeter ASLAV III Personnel Carrier is to military kit-standard 1:35 scale.

FAREWELL DIAMOND JUBILEE

SMN REPORT:

Here’s the SMN Miniature Flypast, to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. A pity the weather for so much of the four-day celebration was so typically British (aka cool and wet), but it didn’t dampen spirits too much, even if the red-white-and-blue cake got rather soggy during yesterday’s SMN Crew street party. 

DIAMOND JUBILEE MODEL MANIA

SMN Report:
Today is the last day of a long weekend of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. There are plenty more street parties to go, and flags to wave too. But this is a scale model site, so here's a bunch of non-royal miniatures for you to enjoy.

‘MY FAVORITE MARTIAN’ - SINGLE-SEATER SPACECRAFT FROM PEGASUS HOBBIES

THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE WEEKENDER FROM MAT IRVINE:

Here’s another unusual science-fiction kit from Pegasus, this time a 1:18 scale model of the mini-spacecraft that featured in the classic 1960s US TV series ‘My Favorite Martian.’

'2001' SPACE WHEEL FROM FANTASTIC PLASTIC

DAVID JEFFERIS REPORTS:

For my money, 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of the seminal science-fiction movies of all time, sharing the podium with the first Star Wars trilogy. Despite its fame, 2001 has not been kitted much over the years, so here’s an opportunity to catch up, with a twin-scale Space Wheel, from Fantastic Plastic.