Chances are if you are a model maker you also collect 12-inch figures-probably military figures. I collect figures too but I always find myself facing a problem. Figures need to be in an environment, especially if I create a diorama. Action poses are easy.
Have you ever tried to make a figure diorama that involves a more 'placid' theme? Ever try to find 'to scale' furniture for your figures? Weapons-yes. Foliage-no problem. Vehicles-piece of cake. Furniture? Not so easy.
Thankfully Hasegawa Model Kits has solved that problem with its new line of 1:12 Scale furniture models.
Two new pieces are the easy to assemble desk with swivel chair and the fold-out wooden table with two folding chairs.
Follow the easy directions and in no time at all you have two sets of miniature (working) furniture suites that will make your 12-inch figures jump for joy-if they could jump-and if they were real-well, you get my point.
For more conventional models check out four new Limited Edition model aircraft from WWII and contemporary.
The 1:48 Scale WWII German aircraft include a familiar plane recently reviewed by me. the Messerschmitt Bf109E-4/7/B 'JABO' is the colorful cousin to the Messerschmitt BF109F-4/B 'JABO'.
With its single pilot cockpit, camo paint scheme, bright yellow front fuselage, rear fuselage yellow strip and yellow tipped tail fin the heavily armed Bf109E-4/7/B makes for a formidable tri-propeller fighter with heavy armor, bomb load and wing-mounted guns. Did I mention the V12 aero-engine?
Like all of the Hasegawa Model Kits aircraft the Bf109E-4/7/B comes with comprehensive paint, decal and gluing instructions, part trees with easily detachable parts (with little or no flashing) and to scale realism second to none.
Equally impressive is the Junkers Ju87B-2 STUKA w/SKID twin passenger fighter with tri-propeller, full armament and twin front ski skids and single rear skid. Made for flying in cold mountainous areas the Junkers packed plenty of punch with its heavy armor, easy maneuverability and distinctive upswept wings tipped in yellow.
Speaking of yellow (and orange) the ACE Combat F-14D Tomcat "Pumpkin Face", 1:72 Scale fighter jet comes decorated on its top with a large leering pumpkin face and 'Happy Halloween' across its right wing. The swept back, variable sweep wings, supersonic fighter also includes twin jet engines under twin tail fins, a full weapon complement consisting of missiles, high caliber guns and enough additional firepower to make any opponent think twice about taking on this Halloween horror of the skies.
Display your Tomcat as in flight or with landing gear extended, cockpit open and wings folded.
The F/A -18F Super Hornet 'VFA-32 Swordsmen' may not be as colorful as the Tomcat but is equally impressive with its similar body/wing/engine configuration and bubble cockpit. Slightly more aerodynamic, The Hornet is one aircraft that has plenty of sting with it heavy weapon load, missile package and sophisticated electronics.