WW2 Airplane Models is very broad term that covers an enormous amount of kit sets and scales. Most avid model builders choose to specialize in a particular area and scale, say, German aircraft in 1/72 scale, US Bombers in 1/48 scale, etc
World War Two Air Campaigns
Some may choose to focus on certain World War Two Campaigns that interest them. The years between 1939 and 1945 give the military modeler plenty to choose from.
- 1939: Czechoslovakia, Poland, Finland
- 1940: Norway & Denmark, France and the Low Countries, North Africa, East Africa, Britain, Dakar, Greece, Indo-China
- 1941: Yugoslavia & Greece, Crete, Iraq, Syria, Soviet Union, Iran, Pacific
- 1942: Malta, Ceylon, Coral Sea, Midway, Stalingrad, Dieppe, Guadalcanal, French North Africa
- 1943: Kursk, Poloesti, Berlin
- 1944: Western Europe, Philippine Sea
- 1945: Ardennes
Creating WW2 Airplane Replicas
Modern airplane model kits are reasonably well detailed and take up little room in your display case (assuming of course you have such a thing). However all airplane model kits can be improved by judicious use of after-market parts and scratch built parts. Still, if you are not the perfectionist, a satisfying replica can be built on a shoestring budget, with a little know how, some basic tools and good research materials.
Basic Modeling Materials and Equipment.
Like any hobby it is the hobbyist’s passion, dedication and budget that determines what and how much they will spend on the tools required. Here are a few basic tool and equipment tips for the beginner.
- Work Area: This needs to be well lit and ventilated. An old bench or table will suffice for a work-bench but be mindful that you will be working with paints, solvents and glues so it is wise to set up in the garage or basement to avoid at home wars if the good dining suite or carpet get ruined.
- Work Light: An adjustable table lamp is advisible here so you can put the light where you need it without casting shadows over your work
- Cutting board: This will protect your work-surface from nicks and scratches and provide a safe area to cut.
- Hobby knife: Necessary for removing model parts from the kit frames (sprues), trimming excess plastic (flash)off parts, numerous other uses. These come in a range of handle types and blade sizes. If you can afford it, have a selection so you don’t need to chop and change blades.
- Safety glasses: Like all things, safety first! Use whenever you cut anything.
- Sandpaper: Use for general cleanup of models; remove excess glue, prepare smooth finish before painting. Have a range of grits from 400 up to 2000.
- Fine tweezers: For gripping small parts… WARNING! Do not use the Mrs’!
- Paint brushes: Have a wide range of natural hair brushes on hand even if you plan to use spray cans or an airbrush. You will find that there will be small parts that require brushing.
- Steel Pins: Helpful when applying a fine bead of glue.
- Toothpicks: Handy for for stirring or mixing paint. Wooden toothpicks are disposable so less clean up is required.
- Glue: An indispensable part of modelling. The tube works well for most things and there are bottles with neddle applicators. Select a clear glue for multi-pupose use onboth body and clear canopies. Ensure that it is paintable.
- Filler: Available in pot, tube or twin-mix and is used to fill gaps between glued parts.
- Masking Tape: General all-purpose aid for test fitting parts and masking areas during painting.
- Paint and Paint Thinner: Most kits will list the paint colors you require and alway use the thinner recommended by the paint manufacturer.
Nice-to-Have Tools
- Cutting pliers: For removing stubborn parts from the sprues.
- Razor saw: Also for removing parts from sprues.
- Airbrush or Spray Cans: Generally gives a better finish than paintbrushes as there are no brush marks.
- Air Compressor: For use with the airbrush and blowing dust away. A compressor offers better performance and more versatility than propellant in a can.
- Paint Booth: Not necessary but handy to catch overspray of paint, however a large cardboard box will suffice. Some better spray booth designs have exhaust fans and ducting to the building exterior but this is not needed if you only spray outside.
WW2 Airplane Reserch
Most model kits will have artwork on the box or packaging, a paint guide and some kits may even have data sheets on the particular airplane you are replicating. However a little extra research on your model will help with the final product. Afterall, you need to know what something looks like before you can put it together and detail it so it looks like the real thing. Now having good resource materials does not mean you need to buy them, unless you have the disposable income to do so. It simply means a trip to your local library or a trip through cyberspace to find the information you need. I’m blessed in that my local Library has a plentiful supply of resource materials on the subjects I like to model. Also I can flesh out the data with photo’s and articles from the many websites that cater to our craft!
Choosing Your Modelling Project
Selecting a project is all depdendent on budget (or what your significant other will let you spend!), interest and availablity, so the first consideration is what scale and which subjects. Now I’m not advocating being rigid in the pursuit of your given slice of the modelling world, I personally model in a number of scales and areas. What appeals to me is the subject itself, something that whispers… “build me!”
With the current down turn in the economy, budget becomes ever more important! Ebay and other auction sites provide a good source of good quality, cheap kits. And joining clubs can provide you with a good source of kits and cheap reources. I’m currently looking for a model kit of a Me410 in 1/48 scale to add to my stash - I’m in no hurry so when the right kit at the right price comes along, I snatch it up.
My best piece of advice to you is define what you want to model and what scale first. I recommend that you find a subject that excites your passion and then decide what scale you want to work in. Once you’ve figured that out it’s time to look for the model you want and which manufacturer that suits your budget.
So happy hunting and good luck with your chosen slice of the modelling world.
NZFlyBoy
