SCALE MODEL NEWS AT THE SHIZUOKA HOBBY SHOW 2017, JAPAN

FROM THE EXCELLENT folks at Hobby Link Japan, here's a report from the Shizuoka Hobby Show 2017. Lots of build-worthy stuff to see - enjoy.

SHIZUOKA HOBBY SHOW 2014: HASEGAWA SU-35 FEATURES IN VIDEO ROUNDUP FROM HOBBYLINK JAPAN

The Shizuoka Hobby Show 2014 was packed with new-tool and upgraded models and accessories. And Scott Hards and Brian Keaney of HobbyLink Japan captured much of the military kit action on this excellent video.

ANOTHER MODEL STORY FROM EARTHQUAKE-HIT JAPAN

SMN report

Our best wishes go to all in Japan, and especially those directly affected by this event. 

We are pleased to report that one of our favourite internet stores, Hobby Link Japan (HLJ), has survived, though it did not go unscathed, as HLJ President, Scott T. Hards, relates below.

Weird noises on the telephone

In Scott's words: “The quake started small, as they usually do. We'd had a few little ones in recent days here, so I didn't even think to end the phone call I was on. As it slowly grew in strength, I eventually mentioned it to the person I was speaking with. “Yeah, I can hear some weird noises coming from over there,” they offered. As it continued to grow in power, things around my desk started to jump about, and I finally hung up the phone with a quick “call you back.”

HASEGAWA Ma.K FALKE LIMITED EDITION LASER ANTI-GRAVITY FIGHTER

David Jefferis reports
Science fiction fan alert - here’s a follow-up to the 2009 Hasegawa Maschinen Krieger (Ma.K) Falke release. This one is a limited-edition injection-moulded 1:20 scale sci-fi craft that’s loaded with fine detail, optional decal sets, and various new-tooling features. These include a ventral-location ‘excimer laser gun’, presumably a mega-power version of the ultra-precise lasers used by today’s eye surgeons.

When assembled, the Falke is a good size, measuring 286 mm (11.3 in) long and to a scale that will allow model fans to make dioramas using 1:18 scale diecast cars and equipment. Something like a satin-black model of the futuristic Lamborghini Reventon would make the cut as a diorama partner with the Falke, or maybe even a deeply-modded Batmobile! Hasegawa has included a well detailed cockpit, extra radomes, and a pair of pilots - one in seated ready-to-fly position, the other standing in readiness for a mission. A bunch of service techies would look good - if you’re reading this Hasegawa, let’s have a Ma.K figure set ASAP.

A note on the Ma.K sci-fi universe, which was created by Kow Yokoyama in the 1980s. It's set in the 2800s, with stories revolving around battles between factions aiming to control an Earth recovering from a nuclear conflict - gloomy maybe, but not that unlikely, sad to say.

Pictures courtesy Hasegawa and Hobby Link Japan.

The Hasegawa Ma.K Falke is available from model stores and online suppliers including HLJ here.

Inspect a 1:18 Lamborghini Reventon in gunmetal finish here.