By Allon Kira | 04.21.2024 11:39
The U.S. Army, after berating the South Vietnamese for flouting battle doctrine, came out with their own ACAV version. This more or less standardized ACAV kit included shields and a circular turret for the .50-caliber M2 machine gun in the track commander (TC) position, two M60 machine guns with shields for the left and right rear positions, and "belly armor"—steel armor bolted from the front bottom extending 1/2 to 2/3 of the way towards the bottom rear of the M113. The two rear machine gunners could fire their weapons while standing inside the rectangular open cargo hatch. This transformed the M113 into a fighting vehicle, but the vehicle still suffered from its lightly armored configuration, having never been designed for such a role.
By Lars Wahlström | 03.12.2024 19:53
I had already started my own research and looked for reference images and information. I also joined a Facebook group and got a lot of tips. The kit was released in the UK before in the EU, so many had already started their builds and discovered inaccuracies. The objective of this tutorial is to share with the reader the work done, not only to assemble the kit, but also to get the most out of it, adding details and missing parts, painting where necessary, etc., always guided by the references. to which I had access. Hoping it is useful to others.
By Allon Kira | 02.25.2024 11:07
This is an excellent kit from AVF. I built it almost out of the box, and concentrated on the painting. Being a tank that operated in the desert, the weathering is based on natural wear and tear from use and pigments to represent the sand.
By Modeler Site | 12.03.2023 11:46
Over the end of the year, we are offering a preview of the best tutorials we were proud to have during 2023. Enjoy them and happy new year.
By Lars Wahlström | 09.01.2023 13:27
In 1977, as a Christmas gift from my brother, I got a model kit of a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray in 1/8 scale. The kit was made by Monogram, but the same kit was later also released by Revell. There were editions with the body in both red and blue plastic. I noticed quite immediately that the detail level was low, lower than many models in 1/25 scale. Not even the doors were operable and the chrome-plating quality was really poor. Comparing with the French Heller's super detailed 1/8 model kit of the Citroen B15, which I built earlier, the Corvette was toyish and a real disappointment for an experienced modeller. But I decided to take it on anyway.
By Mario Covalski | 11.09.2022 11:51
With this photo array (one picture says more than thousand words sometimes) I share with the reader my experience with the model (I put together two) adding many missing details, not all, painting parts and applying plastic modelling techniques to improve the appearance of this expensive model. Also solving some problems that the kit has and showing tips and tricks to improve or facilitate its assembly.
By Geo Tziafas | 06.23.2022 11:14
We use to publish large tutorials plenty of pictures and large texts, but when I saw these pictures I realized that this probably wouldn't need anything more, sometimes happens. Looking the pictures I understood all the process… besides not always contributors want to spend extra time writing, when already inverted thousand of hours building taking pictures…etc. I hope you enjoy the pictures as I did, thanks Geo!
By David Guardia | 03.27.2022 11:20
The gundam universe. Huge in characters, animation series, books, comics, etc. Based on an animated series, in which humans are at war and use robots for fighting, it contributes to modeling 90% of the models sold. With a great variety of scales, this one, 1/100, is possibly the most “manageable”. At just 14cm tall, these models make for quick projects.
By Andre Pantarotto | 03.29.2020 15:44
For those who aren't familiar with NASCAR racing, mostly out of USA, Julius Timothy "Tim" Flock was an American stock car racer. He was a two-time NASCAR series champion. Moebiuos offered some time ago the 1952 Hudson “Tim” used two times during 1952, the year he won the session.
By Mario Covalski | 10.09.2019 18:23
This is the 1/8 Ford Falcon 1963 from the Salvat Publisher. The model is provided in 100 weekly fascicles, each one includes history and parts to build the model. The model is mostly made of diecast and plastic parts, is heavy as 9 or 10Kg, but lacks of details, mostly in the engine bay area, and some parts are odd represented. So I added lot of them, fuel lines wiring...etc.
By David Guardia | 07.02.2019 11:48
The idea of assembling and painting this model was swirling around in my head since some time ago. It’s one of the vehicles of the saga I like best and besides, Bandai, the brand that introduced it on the market, is a very recognized one for manufacturing excellent models with “snap” perfect fit without the need of glue and highly detailed.
By Alex Nahooy | 12.15.2015 11:14
The Derek Gardner designed Tyrrell 007 made his marks true the ’74 and ’75 seasons.In expectation of there new P34 challenger the first 3 races of 1976 were raced by the final and revised version of the 007.
I would liked for MFH to have made the ’75 version,but by making the ’76 version MFH could use more parts of the Tamiya P34…resulting in this beautifull transkit ;correct rear wing and support,rear radiators ect.Most of the rear end parts of the 007 indeed come from the Tamiya donor ( Engine,gearbox,suspension and rear wheels).
By Fabrice Marechal | 02.01.2015 10:01
By Mario Covalski | 03.11.2014 14:04
This is the RC version of the trumpeter T34 1/16 scale kit. I painted it with a mix of green enamels and made the weathering (a modest one having in account how the T-34 were battered) with acrylics and pigments.
By Mario Covalski | 11.16.2013 10:52
Modeler Site’s editorials are in general very well received and read by modelers, but the one issued last month ( Go on buying... though…) seemed to bring a greater effect than the usual, because of the incredible number of emails sent by readers, making comments about it.
By Patricio Delfosse | 05.24.2013 11:42
By Patricio Delfosse | 05.24.2013 11:39
Sometimes a simple trick allows us to get a finishing that otherwise it would take us many hours of work. This is an easy technique that you can take on with excellent chances of success. Try it!
It's based on the use of salt as mask, and it allows you to give the appearance of the chipped paint over any flat surface of a vehicle. The idea is to let the base color ( which can be of any other color, priming or naked metal), show through the last coat applied.
By Mario Covalski | 04.09.2013 12:27
On 2005 Tamiya offered the Ferrari Enzo for their already built series. Although the models were offered like die-cast, just the motor, floor and other chassis parts were made of white metal, other parts were plastic and a gorgeous painted ABS body. I obtained the model on 2001 in an auction at eBay for a ridiculous low price. I wanted the red but the low price immediately made the yellow as my favorite color. My first impression, when I received the terrific packaging, was little disappointed. The engine and brakes were poor detailed and crude painted, although the carbon fiber texture, interior and fabric seat belts was well represented.
By Alexander Yañez | 03.18.2013 11:02
I had been keeping this 4x4 truck in my waiting list for years and before purchasing it, I had already thought that I would add some off-road accessories. I began cleaning the parts with dishwashing detergent, cutting them from the sprue as I needed. First, I set to work on the body. I used wet sand #1200 to remove flashes, mold marks, and to get a better adherence of paint. I sanded with wet sandpaper until getting a matt body.
By Patricio Delfosse | 03.10.2013 11:31
Up to the arrival of the Tamiya kit, the T-55 from Esci was the best we modelers had to hand to represent the tank most manufactured by Soviets after the WWII. I had one since time ago, but with the arrival of the Tamiya’s, it was condemned to obscurity until I got the Verlinden conversion for the Enigma’s. My doubts about the conversion turned my project in an experimentation platform and, so the T-55 Enigma was born, based on the Esci kit.
By Juan Madrazo Revilla | 03.05.2013 10:33
The Porsche 550 RS is the first serious attempt to create an authentic competition car Ernst Fuhrmann was in charge of designing a competition engine (project 547) and Wilhelm Hild headed the development of a new chassis (project 550). This vehicle was displayed for the first time to public at the 1953 Paris Automobile Salon.
By Mario Covalski | 01.12.2013 10:25
By Giovanni Galvan | 07.01.2012 10:00
The Grumman Avenger needs no presentation, being one of the most famous protagonists of the Pacific War. But until the 90’s, there was in 1/48 scale only an old Monogram toy-style model, until Accurate Miniatures released a “state-of-the-art” mold, which is still one of the best kits ever done. Now the mold is also released by Italeri, at lower price, and it’s very recommendable to all modelers.
By John Horst | 04.01.2007 18:56
By William Chan | 09.01.2006 14:45
Mclaren MP4/8 is one of the most beautiful Mclaren ever made. It raced in 93 and it was piloted by Senna. Eventhough it was powered by under-powered Ford V8 engine, Senna took this machine with 5 victories. One of the most memorable race has to be Donington Park 93 where Senna mastered his way out in first lap over everyone else.
By Martin Swire | 02.01.2005 10:45
By Mario Covalski | 12.01.2004 19:01
By William Chan | 05.01.2004 19:10
By Mike Parr | 05.01.2004 11:04
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo | 01.01.2004 10:31
By Mike Parr | 09.01.2003 10:55
By Patricio Delfosse | 04.01.2003 14:49
Hey, webmaster! Something's wrong with the scale! This model should be a 1/72... Is it possible for a 1/35 armored vehicle to measure only 9 cm. long? Well… yes! And in the case of this model it must be added that the space is very well distributed. The model is simple and with minimum efforts and a tidy painting we can add an attractive and rare piece. After seeing many Panzers and Shermans, visitors will surely be attracted to this small armored vehicle that looks closer to a bug than a military vehicle. "What is this?" they will ask. And here is the answer.
By Mike Parr | 10.01.2002 11:00
By Ricardo Dacoba | 05.01.2001 20:56
By Javier Alba | 04.01.2001 15:40
By Giovanni Galvan
During the war, the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand), after a symbolic resistance, agreed a collaboration with the Japanese, which was more or less half hearted. During that period Japan sold some fighter airplanes to Siam, to substitute the old US planes such as the Hawk and the B-10. These planes were mainly old Ki-27 Nate, but in 1944 were released a number of more modern Ki-46 Series I and II. Some Internet friends sent me some rare photos of the Siamese Oscars, which inspired me to make this very exotic example.
By Mario Covalski
By Giovanni Galvan
The famous Bf.110 “Zerstörer”, in spite of being frequently described as a fiasco for the Luftwaffe, wad widely used on all fronts, and in almost all roles until the end of the war. One of the most peculiar episodes of its use was the help to the revolt in Iraq against the British in 1941. During the short duration of this local war, Italy and Germany sent some air units to help the rebels, via the Vichy’s Syria. That’s why we can see many Fiat CR.42s or Bf.110s with hastily applied Iraqi insignia, now famous for decidedly more recent wars.
By Giulio Marrucci
Basically is a good kit, but if you want “make the difference” you need the photo etched parts dedicated to the Essex Class, produced by the Golden Medallion, providing reels, stairs, radar antennas, all the aerial and a lot of many other details like undercarriage doors covers, landing gear struts etc...
By Mario Covalski
By Giovanni Galvan
By Guy Golsteyn
By Peter Radcliffe
By Peter Radcliffe
By Claude Reiser
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Manuel Rotsch
By Claude Reiser
By Leslie Choy
By Rafael Zambrino
By Hernan Casciani
By Giovanni Galvan
By Oliver Yvanes
By Mario Covalski
By Alfredo Casciani
By Emilio Wada
By Mario Covalski
There are a lot of plastic models manufacturers, whose instruction manuals are clear and well structured. However, there are others quite complicated in their sequential steps, making the building a real nightmare for the beginner. This happens even with the more experienced companies. From our personal point of view, the least explicit manuals are those by some American companies (AMT, ERTL, Revell and Lindbergh) because, in most cases, they don't even include a color guide. Some of the most prestigious companies have well illustrated manuals with an excellent information, although they have a certain difficulty in the building process, making the sequence difficult to follow.
By Julian Herrero
By Gustavo Nuñez
By Tony Allen
This is my first attempt to build a model by Studio 27 and I have to say my first impression was not very encouraging. On opening the box of a very expensive kit I found a very well moulded body with fine engraving of panels and fixings. The photoetch set again was very sharp as were the decals, but from there on things went downhill. The white metal castings I thought were crude in the extreme, suspension, engine detail exhausts etc were poor. However as this was a model for a friend I did my best.
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Fabian Vera
By Fabian Vera
By Dan Parrat
By Ricardo Dacoba
By Javier Alba
By Fabian Vera
By Fabian Vera
By Fabian Vera
By Pablo Scordo
By Gustavo Nuñez
By Akiyoshi Kishino
By Jose Antonio Solbes
By Fabian Vera
By Nicolas Perez Fiorentini
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Hernan Amalfi
By Axel Klein
By Mike Parr
By Mario Covalski
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Mario Covalski
I made my first review of a kit a few years ago, and I remember that I said that reviewing a kit was something more than a simple description of all the parts that you look at when you open a box; you have to "transmit" a sensation and "project" and opinion, as a logical conclusion.
By Jose Antonio Solbes
By Jean-Paul Spa
Ford's pre 1928 "Tall T" cars peaked in popularity with street rodders in the early to mid 70's, then seemed to fall out of favor as street rod fashion shifted to high tech billet aluminum in the '80 and early '90. Today, however, the early T body styles are making a comeback, as rodders are rediscovering their classic, formal proportions and old-timey details. Of course, even with their old time flavor, most current street rods are running the thickest of automotive technology underneath, and this '26 Ford T Sedan Delivery is no exception.
By Alfonso Martinez Berlana
By William Chan
This is one of many popular Ferrari F1 racers. Michael Schumacher won his third championship with this famous F1-2000. Tamiya has done an excellent job in producing this famous F1 racer. I have taken 7 months to build this Ferrari....
By Mario Covalski
By Alfonso Martinez Berlana
By Ricardo Dacoba
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Alfonso Martinez Berlana
By Alfonso Martinez Berlana
By Mario Covalski
By Niels Elmholt Christensen
By Rick & Jannine Bennett
By Victor Reis
The Pocher Kits, all in 1/8 scale, are beautiful and with full of details, specially the Classic Series, with a number of pieces up to almost 3000. They also have many defects and can drive you crazy, but when finished they can be a true art piece. The doors open with a key, the headlights work, the seats are in fabric, etc., but if you play with them they will not work for a long time This kits are very fragile, so it's better to let them quiet, look only.
By William Chan
By Sean Fischbach
Sam sent us new pictures of the model he had submitted in 2003, here the updated article.
By Chris Webb
By Michael Wong
The Honda RA272 was a formula racing car that won the Mexican Grand Prix in 1965 which is driven by Richie Ginther which making it be the first Japanese racing car winning the grand prix. After building my first completed Formula racing car, the Tamiya Honda MP4/4, I decided to build another formula racing car and it is RA272. I started this project in mid of October and finished it in 2 weeks time....
By Giovanni Galvan
Yes, I know, the Fishpot series of the Sukhoi Air Defense fighters of the former USSR remains unknown for most of the modelers. This series was a evolution from the famous Fitter ground strike family (Su-7 and the swing wing Su-17 / 20 / 22), in fact both of the versions have common sections, as the fuselage, tail planes, and similar fins. The delta wing characterize the Su-9 and Su-11 (NATO code Fishpot), which was inherited to the later Su-15 Flagon, a similar concept twin engined interceptor.
By Erik Fontein
By Mario Covalski
By Mike Parr
By Giovanni Galvan
By Giovanni Galvan
By John Horst
By Dan Parrat
By Giovanni Galvan
By Giovanni Galvan
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Steve Yeun
By Dale King & Charles Fox
By Michael Schneider
By Peter Radcliffe
The origins of 1/43 scale are the early dinky toys, which were originally produced as accessories for O gauge model railways which were popular at the time, this was a real "bastardisation" of a scale being 7 mm to 1 foot! O gauge lost its popularity but by then Dinky was established and the scale stayed as the standard for diecast toys although for some strange reason most commercial vehicles were made in 1/50th.
By Mario Covalski
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
During the Second World War, the German aeronautic industry developed a great number of prototypes and experimental planes; sometimes, they did not materialized due to all kinds of indecisions and interferences. Some of this German projects were very advanced, taking into account the technological point of view...
By Giovanni Galvan
By Fabian Vera
By Pablo Raggi
By Roman Kepinski
By Claudio Fernandez
By Mario Covalski
By Jens Martin
More than ten years later when building Formula-1 model cars became a hobby for me, one of the first 1/20 kits I ever built was Tamyia’s Williams FW07. During the last two years I have built models of the four follow up cars Williams produced and raced up until 1983. This gave me the idea to write a small story about the Williams cars of this era and the models.
By Kelly Zak
By Marcelo Scaminaci Russo
By Russ Sharp
By Luigi Cavazza
By Kelly Zak
By Nicolas Perez Fiorentini
By Alfredo Molina Reynoso
By John Horst
By Giovanni Galvan
By Giovanni Galvan
By Geoff Brown
This model is the very first model kit made by Gunze Sangyo, (Now Mr Hobby), that I have built, I'm not really sure why, but I wish I had built some of these earlier, some of the there Hi tech series kits did have engine detail, but this kit is a simply curbside model, i.e no engine or gearbox detail, but the way the model looks at the end of the build makes up for it.
By Rene Espinosa
By Fausto Muto
By Giovanni Galvan
By Mario Covalski
By Giovanni Galvan
By William Chan
By Claudio Kalicinski