FineScale Modeler – October 2019

8 FineScale Modeler October 2019

SCALE TALK

Now at http://www.FineScale.com

Download this gorgeous

Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF

Reviewer Andy Keyes

dishes up this delicious

Airfix Bristol Blenheim in a

review on p. 54, but you

can download this snazzy

shot as a wallpaper for

your computer.

Desktop wallpapers

Find dozens of computer backgrounds of

cool military and sci-fi models that you can

download for free. Time to give your monitor

a makeover.

New Product Rundown

Want to know about a new kit on the mar-

ket? Aaron Skinner and Elizabeth Nash host a

twice-monthly video review of the newest

models and show what’s inside the boxes.

to be assembled, and there are many more

to come, because for me it’s also about the

history behind them. When I look at my

display or stash, I don’t see similar planes

— not even when they feature the same

camo. I see replicas, each representing a

unique airplane, with a unique history and

a unique pilot. Diving into that history is

part of the fun! I think many can relate.

• Herman Keizer
  Hoogland, The Netherlands

Ship finishing suggestion

Having been a subscriber to FSM for many

years, I often read where ship modelers will

finish their masterpieces with Testors

Dullcote, or some other dull finish. As a for-

mer fleet sailor, I think that isn’t realistic. A

ship at sea, for even a minimum amount of

time, will eventually be coated in a fine film

of sea salt. All areas of the weather deck,

superstructure and hull will glisten with

dried salt, and appear somewhat shiny.

In fact, before painting, all surfaces will

have to be washed down with fresh water to

allow the paint to stick; often, varnish will

be added to the haze and deck gray to make

it shine. So, when finished with a sea-going

vessel I apply a thin coat of clear satin to the

entire ship to replicate this “shine.”

• Douglas Bauer
  Albany, Ore.

More thoughts on the A-

Regarding the letter, “A few thoughts on

the A-4,” by Greg Qualtieri in the May

2019 issue. I was a west coast A-4 Skyhawk

captain and instructor with VA-125 in

1968. VA-125 was one of the squadrons
      responsible for training pilots and mechan-
      ics deploying to Vietnam.
      The canopies on the A-4s that I was
      responsible for were only closed when on
      the wash rack or when being polished. The
      “normal canopy release” handle was located
      on the port side, just below and forward of
      the Emergency Canopy Jettison Door that
      held the jettison handle and its lanyard.
      As to underwater “egress” NAVWEPS
      01-40AVA-1 section I, page 39 describes
      the use of the Underwater Canopy-Jettison
      Relief Valve as a last resort for canopy
      removal, and refers you to Section III,
      where on page 73 it only talks about using
      your revolver or knife in the event that the
      Canopy-Harness Release Handle or
      Canopy Jettison Handle fail, as the canopy
      was to be GONE before you hit the water.
      Those handles were to be used to release
      you from your seat, once you came to rest in
      the water.
      Nice job Darren (Roberts), especially
      the slats. No manufacturer has got them
      right yet. I thought Trumpeter would have
      gotten that right, but it was not to be. Just
      one more thing to fix. Great magazine!

• Friedrich Zachmann
  Sterling Heights, Mich.

Gravity diorama lands hard

I’m a little late to this party, but here is a

space exploration themed diorama. The title

ARA Press

785 Jefferson Ave.

Livermore, CA 94550

(925) 583-

http://www.arapress.com

ARA Press

The Spaceship Enthusiasts’

One-Stop Data Shop!

Visit our website to order on-line.

All Credit Cards and PayPal accepted.

Call or write “[email protected]” for

shipping options.

Sales Tax added for CA orders

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x244 pages, Softcover

xColor cover w/ B&W illustrations

xOver 400 photos and diagrams

A project-oriented

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There are tips for

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Only $19.95! (plus shipping)

Seize The Sky

A Builder's Guide to Model Rocketry

by Mario Perdue

Available Again!

This book may seem horribly out of

date since it spends most of the time

describing how to adapt compact

film cameras for flight. This in-

cludes building

large payload

bays and methods

of mechanically

and/or electrical-

ly triggering the

cameras.

Only $14.95 ea! (plus shipping)