Calibre Wings Shows Off More in the way of Suhkoi

Some manufacturers we don’t hear from for months on end while others seem loathe to dropping the mic anytime soon. Such is the case with Calibre Wings, who today posted pictures of yet another Suhkoi aircraft – the Su-17 “Fitter” fighter-bomber. The Su-17 is an ideal aircraft for model makers, one that can be modified, upgraded and retrofitted into both the Su-20 and Su-22. Since it was exported to seven countries around the world — from the Eastern bloc nations to a handful of Middle Eastern states — a wide array of liveries are also possible, some a bit more eclectic than others..A Yemeni Su-22, for example, may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list.

As a Cold War aircraft, the variable-wing Su-17 entered service way back in 1970 and, because of its endurance and numerous revisions, saw yeoman service in the near decade long war between Iran and Iraq, as well as the Russian incursion into Afghanistan. No fewer than 14 different Su-17 variants were fielded, from trainers to dedicated attack aircraft. While CAD drawings are making their way around the publicity circuit, its likely the first Su-17 won’t see service with the Calibre Wings’ air force until early 2019.

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When Rockets Ruled

Doodlebug Anyone? Modelcollect’s latest rocket has been updated to give it a late war motif.

We are getting closer to the release of Modelcollect’s second look at the V-1 rocket and now we have some close-up images to prove it. This go round, the ramp has been painted in a camouflage pattern, and the V-1 rocket itself now boasts an updated nose cone (AS72105), which resembles an early war Messerschmitt Bf-109. Their first issue V-1 is expected to return to stock as well (AS72068), although our distributor has indicated that this will be its final production run in order to give the newest version its proper due in the limelight.

Not to be out done, PMA’s fourth and perhaps final take on the German V-2 rocket is clad in a Gezackt or “ragged” camouflage pattern

In other news, Precision Model Art is expected to release the fourth take on their V-2 rocket. Their latest iteration has been broad brushed in a Gezackt (ragged) camouflage pattern, indicative of a late war operational scheme (P0323). Its entirely possible that they could be getting set to make even larger and more powerful rockets in the near future, given the success of the series to date. 

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Anatomy of War: All You Need to Know About the Design and Construction of Submarines

Every so often, we open up our forum to other interested parties, thereby providing collectors, historians and digital tacticians the opportunity to step up on our soap box to voice their opinion on matters of great importance. Recently, we were contacted by Casey Heigl, a well-informed maritime authority, who wanted to share his thoughts on the silent service. What follows are his ruminations on the design and construction of a submarine.

The manufacturing of a submarine is a highly complex endeavor, utilizing both automated and manual processes. In fact, submarines are among the most labor-intensive machines ever built. From the design phase until the time it’s put into service, submarine construction can take up to twenty years, depending on the size of the labor force and the capabilities of the shipyard or yards in charge of building them.

Typically, however, the time between a new submarine model’s initial design work, to laying the keel, to commissioning for actual use is closer to 13 years. Submarines with an already existing class would take much less time to build.

Submarines are known for doing most of their travel under the water’s surface, but they can also travel on the surface like a boat. Before the invention of nuclear submarines, diesel engines were used for travel on the surface and electric motors powered by batteries were used for propelling the vessel below the water’s surface.

Electric batteries have a limited lifetime, though, so even the most advanced early submarines could only travel for a few days underwater and at very limited speed. At full speed, their batteries would be exhausted within hours. Nuclear powered submarines, however, allow the vessels to stay underwater and travel at fast speeds for several months.

Quality Assurance

Before construction even begins, the materials used to build various submarine components are closely inspected for any potential structural flaws. When a new design for a nuclear submarine is initiated, a scale model is built so that it’s easier to identify any apparent flaws and make any necessary improvements. Scale drawings are made, and then expanded into larger paper patterns to allow small details to be examined closely.

When the steel plates that are used to form the hull are cut and rolled, they’re closely inspected to ensure all dimensions are accurate to within a sixteenth of an inch. Smaller parts often need to be even more accurate—sometimes to within even one ten-thousandth of an inch or less. When completed, pipes around the submarine are filled with helium and inspected to check for leaks. Every instrument on board is thoroughly tested and examined to ensure it is in proper working condition.

Materials Used in Submarine Construction

The primary material used for building a submarine is steel. The inner and outer hulls, as well as the inner workings of the vessel, all use steel. Ballast tanks are located between the inner and outer hulls, which take in and expel water to make the submarine sink and rise.

In addition to steel, various other metals, including aluminum, brass, and copper, are used on other parts of the vessel. Non-metals, including glass and plastic, are used in the manufacturing of thousands of other components. The onboard electronic equipment is comprised of semiconductors like germanium and silicon. Cyanoacrylate glue and other adhesives are also implemented to secure various materials found onboard.

The Manufacturing of the Hull

Scaffolding is erected during the manufacturing process so that accessibility remains unencumbered. Thick steel plates are received from steel manufacturers and are cut to the proper size using acetylene torches. The cut plates are then inserted between gigantic metal rollers that are set up with one roller resting on two others, which creates a huge amount of pressure. As the steel plates move between the rollers, they’re bent into a curved shape.

The curved steel plates are then placed on a wooden template outlining the hull’s shape. The plates are then welded together to form an individual section of the hull. The completed section is hoisted by a crane and moved next to its adjoining section. The two completed sections are then welded together. This process continues several times, eventually creating an inner and outer hull.

Steel ribs separate the two hulls and allow space for ballast tanks that control the submarine’s depth. The outer hull extends only as far as the sides and bottom of the inner hull. This allows the vessel to remain upright.

More steel plates are welded into the inner hull to divide the submarine into watertight compartments. Steel bulkheads and decks are then welded into place. Exterior welding seams are eventually polished to make them smooth for painting and provide a streamlined surface that reduces friction during travel.

Completing the Exterior

External components, including propellers and rudders, are manufactured using a variety of metalworking techniques. One integral method used in the creation of several metal components is known as sand casting. Sand casting involves making a plastic or wooden model of the individual part being built.

The model of the part is then surrounded by sand, which is tightly packed in a mold. The two halves of the mold are then separated, and the model is removed. The shape of the part being created remains in the hardened sand as a cavity. Finally, liquid metal is poured into the cavity which, when cooled, results in the completed desired part.

Scaffolding around the hull allows workers to reach any part of it. External components are welded to the hull. Certain components, however, such as sonar equipment, are covered in smooth sheets of steel when they are attached to the hull, so there’s a reduction of friction during travel.

Completing the Interior

Larger equipment is generally placed into the inner hull while it is in the process of being built. Smaller equipment, however, is only brought into the inner hull after completion. The submarine is usually launched before a great deal of the interior equipment is even installed.

Following the launching ceremony, the vessel is towed into a special dock called a fitting-out dock, where additional work on the interior structures continues. Important components, such as engines, periscopes, snorkels, and electronic equipment are then installed. Equipment designed for the comforts of the crew, such as air conditioning, refrigerators, electric cooking stoves, and washing machines are also fitted at this time.

On nuclear submarines, the nuclear reactor begins operating at this time, and the submarine begins its sea trials. The crew is trained, weapons are tested and launched, and the submarine is commissioned in an official ceremony which alters its designation. The submarine is then given a shakedown cruise before it is entered into active service. Tests to the maneuverability and speed of the submarine are meant to indicate how the submarine would operate in simulated wartime conditions.

Looking to the Future

Submarines are expected to hold their place as a crucial component of Navy defense systems for years to come. Newer designs could showcase new ways of improving the depth and speed capabilities of submarines. Future research will likely lead to a submarine’s increased ability to detect enemy ships while maintaining its own ability to remain undetected.

 

Image Links

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/submarine-against-evening-sky-321701372?src=YRERpOD70OcdSzyg_TUQ8g-1-0

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/aerial-topdown-photo-submarine-empty-dry-726270649?src=HaxFdbY8Y0dtuMAEAW-ANA-1-3

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/control-devices-immersion-surfacing-handlebars-diesel-159169682?src=HaxFdbY8Y0dtuMAEAW-ANA-1-1

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The Third Times the Charm for Hobby Master’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

The F-35C can carry ordnance both internally and externally, thereby enabling it to take on a wide variety of missions

Even though no model has been officially announced, it appears as if Hobby Master will soon be rolling out the third and perhaps most important version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Larger than either the A or B variants, the C version of the JSF (CV) is flown by the US Navy and features larger wings, a wider splayed tail assembly, more robust landing gear for catapult launches and fly-in arrestments, greater payload and fuel capacity and other things under the hood. With their October product schedule already in the public’s hands, its likely that the first C replica will come out just before the holidays.

Lockheed Martin has this to say about the F-35C (CV) variant. “Aircraft carriers remain at the forefront of U.S. military power, and the backbone of any carrier strike group is the aircraft it brings to the fight. The 5th Generation F-35C Lightning II is the only fighter that can respond to tomorrow’s threats and preserve the U.S. Navy’s maritime supremacy. Our naval aviators deserve nothing less than the most advanced capabilities to ensure they are able to perform their missions and return home safely.

More than 50 years of aircraft carrier-based fighter evolution culminates in the F-35C. Never before has low observable stealth been available at sea. The F-35C carrier variant (CV) is the world’s only 5th Generation, long-range stealth strike fighter designed and built explicitly for carrier operations.The U.S. Navy is the largest customer receiving F-35Cs, with the U.S. Marine Corps also planning to acquire the C variant in addition to the F-35B. 

The F-35C combines this unique capability of operating from a carrier deck with the unmatched 5th Generation capabilities of stealth, fused sensors and reliability, making the F-35C the Navy’s future first-day-of-the-war strike fighter.

The Navy and Marines require an aircraft capable of overcoming a variety of threats — surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles and tactical aircraft. By leveraging this potent combination of stealth, advanced jamming and threat system destruction, the F-35C enhances survivability and increases mission success rates.

The F-35C variant has larger wings and more robust landing gear than the other variants, making it suitable for catapult launches and fly-in arrestments aboard naval aircraft carriers. Its wingtips also fold to allow for more room on the carrier’s deck while deployed.

The tail wings are splayed farther apart on the C version to accommodate the larger wing. Larger wings enable it to carry more fuel giving it greater range than either the A or B version

The F-35C also has the greatest internal fuel capacity of the three F-35 variants. The F-35C carries nearly 20,000 pounds of internal fuel for longer range and better persistence than any other fighter in a combat configuration. And, like the F-35B, the F-35C uses probe and drogue refueling. This allows the Navy to operate its carriers a safe distance from the threat while its fighters reach remote targets.”

Recognizing the importance of differentiating between each type of F-35 and their effects on each service branch, we have decided to further separate the Hobby Master F-35 section into three distinct sub categories. We have also learned that the Hobby Master rendition of the F-35 variant will not feature folding wing tips to make it more compact on an aircraft carrier. No reason was given for the design omission and its entirely possible the manufacturer could reverse this decision.

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Calibre Wings Increases Its Soviet Stars Series by One More Star

A battle for the hearts and minds of collectors is expected this autumn, as two modelmakers unleash their take on the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft

Looking to give Hobby Master a run for the money in the world of modern-era combat aircraft, Calibre Wings showed off a rough prototype of its next 1:72 scale project — a Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft. Debuted on their Facebook page, the Frogfoot, as NATO calls it, is one of those aircraft that can be displayed in a number of different configurations and liveries, none of which steps on the other in terms of sales potential. And, if you’re like me, enjoy aircraft with loads of ordnance and hardpoints to affix them to, then the Frogfoot scratches an itch and then some, thanks to a near infinite supply of different forms of weaponry.

Its not clear when the Frogfoot is expected or which aircraft will likely be replicated first, although we’re confident they’ll show up after Calibre Wings’ Su-24 Fencers have churned up the battlefield some time this summer.

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Corgi Exclaims, “Who Says Lightning Doesn’t Strike Twice?”

Corgi’s 1:48 scale RAF English Electric F.6 Lightning Fighter – XS927/N, RAF No. 74 Squadron “The Tigers”, RAF Tengah, Singapore, 1969

If you missed out on Corgi’s inaugural 1:48 scale English Electric Lightning then you can take comfort in knowing the manufacturer has another one fueling up in the hangar. The second version (AA28402) is based on an aircraft that flew with RAF No. 74 Squadron “The Tigers”, then deployed to RAF Tengah, Singapore, during 1969.

As one of the most famous squadrons of the Royal Air Force, No.74 ‘Tiger’ Squadron can trace its history back to July 1st, 1917, and has been associated with such classic fighting aircraft as the SE5a, Hawker Hurricane and Gloster Meteor since that date. For many enthusiasts though, its most poignant association has been with the mighty English Electric Lightning, an aviation icon of the Cold War Period and one of the most significant achievements of the British aviation industry. As the Squadron selected to welcome the Lightning into frontline service in the summer of 1960, the ‘Tigers’ went on to operate the F.3 variant, T.4 and T.5 trainers, along with the ultimate F.6 fighter version of the Lightning. Indeed, No.74 Squadron was again to be the first unit equipped with the definitive F.6 version of the aircraft, which was capable of being fitted with over-wing tanks to extend the operating range of this potent fighter and resulted in the Squadron being assigned to the RAF Far East Air Force, based at Tengah in Singapore. In June 1967, the Lightnings of No.74 Squadron began leaving Leuchars for their ferry flight to the Far East, with their arrival at RAF Tengah several days later relying on the support of no fewer than seventeen Victor tankers, which provided the aircraft with an essential air to air refuelling platform during their flight. After enforcing the effective air defence of the region for just over four years, the Lightnings of No.74 Squadron were flown to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where they were handed over to the care of No.56 Squadron, prior to 74 Squadron being disbanded and bringing their proud association with Britain’s only indigenous supersonic fighter to an end.

Get your pre-orders in early cause their second take on this illustrious aircraft will likely sell out as quickly as the first.

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Hobby Master Hunts for Subs this October

 

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Lockheed S-3A Viking Anti-Submarine Aircraft – VS-29 “Dragonfires”, USS Enterprise (CVN-65), 1970s

When a Company heaps on added SKUs for a fourth quarter release, that’s generally viewed as a positive development in the industry since the manufacturer is willing to bet on the consumer for the upcoming holiday season and hopefully get as much mileage out of their product portfolio as possible. Hobby Master has been doing just that in recent months, pumping out added product that seems to supersede their monthly release schedules by leaps and bounds. 

Earlier today, they called attention to a new S-3A Viking anti-submarine aircraft (HA4907) that will ride on the coattails of their October releases. What makes this a significant offering is that the aircraft comes from Viking squadron (VS-29) “Dragonfires”, which served aboard the USS Enterprise during the 1970s. Obviously this means that collectors with a keen interest in “Big E” aircraft will get yet another warbird to round out their embarked squadron replicas. Better still, the price seems to have dropped for their newest Viking, down from a scale-tipping $118.99 to a much more manageable $100. 

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Air Force 1 Braves the AA Fire to Take a Swipe at Ploesti

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Consolidated B-24D Liberator Heavy Bomber – “Wongo Wongo,” 512th Bomb Squadron, 376th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force, North Africa, 1943

Air Force 1 isn’t one of those diecast model makers that sticks to any hard-and-fast schedule when it comes to announcing new product. So when they do finally poke their heads out of their research and design room, it usually comes with a bit of fanfare.

With June just a day away, the Company drew back the curtains on “Wongo Wongo”, an odd-sounding Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber that served in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operation during WWII with the US 9th Air Force. Selecting “Wongo Wongo” as their inaugural 1:72 scale Liberator is a bit of a risk for several reasons. First, collectors typically associate the Allied bombing campaign as being waged from England and not North Africa. Second, “Wongo Wongo” never made it to its target, having succumbed to enemy anti-aircraft fire. And third, because it took wing from a North African air base, it is painted in desert sand rather than a European scheme, meaning it tends to stick out a bit in any diecast collection. 

While the choice of aircraft may be a wee bit risky, the aircraft type is as they say, “a no-brainer”, coming hot on the heels of a pair of best selling Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses. Its certainly priced right — carrying a MAP of $115.99 – making it an ideal companion piece to either of their Fortresses. Best of all, because its expected in August, collectors won’t have to wait long to wrap their mitts around this war winner.

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Films in Focus: Top Gun 2 Starts Production

On the first day of production on Top Gun 2, Tom Cruise tweeted out this image showing him in the foreground in front of a naval aircraft. Fast forward 30 years, and its likely the F-14 will be swapped out for a more stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighter or, as some suggest, this two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet Strike Aircraft.

By now, you’ve likely heard that Tom Cruise signed on to do a sequel to Top Gun, entitled, what else, Top Gun 2. Yesterday he tweeted out an image with the three-word tag line “Feel the Need”, which aptly paraphrases the “Need for Speed” musical montage that helped to launch the original movie into cinematic history over 30 years ago. In the sequel, Cruise, who reprises his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, plays a flight instructor at the world-famous Top Gun Naval School who likely becomes embroiled in a conflict over the contested waters known as the China Seas. Drones and F-35C Joint Strike Fighters will likely take center stage this time around replacing the retired F-14 Tomcats that became the hallmark of the original film.

And, while we’re on the subject of Top Gun, we still have an ample supply of F-14s in both 1:72 and 1:200 scales, along with a bunch of ancillary products that combine to make the displays rich and filled with seat-of-the-pants excitement. Check ’em out now before they fly off into the danger zone.

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Four More Ships Join the Eaglemoss Star Trek Armada

Eaglemoss” Star Trek Federation Intrepid Class Starship – Kyrian Warship USS Voyager NCC-74656

Back during the holiday season, Eaglemoss announced that they were expanding their Star Trek standard-sized ship series to 160 ships, an increase of 30 ships from their present level. That said, four new ships were unveiled today, bringing the known fleet up to 134 models. The quartet of ships include:

#131 – Star Trek Earth Arctic One Transport

#132 – Star Trek Federation Intrepid Class Starship – Kyrian Warship USS Voyager NCC-74656

#133 – Star Trek Terrellian Racer – Irina’s Racing Ship

#134 – Star Trek Vulcan Survey Ship

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