FBMinis - Braille Scale Models

FB72011 - Inspectors

2011-11-03T11:02:00.000Z

FB72014 F-16 ADF Conversion

2011-09-20T14:14:00.000+01:00

Photos of Portuguese Air Force (FAP) A-7 Corsair using the ALQ 131:

Portuguese A-7P at Soesterberg, 21 June 1995

Portuguese TA-7P at Soesterberg, same day:

FB72015 Kubelwagen Barricade

2011-09-18T23:54:00.000+01:00

For dioramas or for wargaming tables.

FB72014 F-16 ADF Conversion

2011-09-17T23:33:00.002+01:00

F-16 ADF Resin conversion in 1/72 for Revell kits (and others)

Includes:

- 1 x ADF tail

- 2 x IFF antennas (nose and air intake)

- 1 x AN/ALQ 131 Jammer Pod

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article16.html

Introduction

The Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa) operates a total of 45 F-16A/B block 15 aircraft. Twenty of these have been upgraded to MLU standard.
Inventory
Peace Atlantis I

The Forç Aérea Portuguesa entered the F-16 era when the Peace Atlantis I program was started with the signature of a Letter of Acceptance in August 1990. The agreement was partly a payment for the use (by the US) of Lajes AB on the Azores. It included not only the 20 F-16 block 15OCU aircraft (17 A's and 3 B's) with PW engines, but also initial logistic support: replacement parts, support equipment, books, pilot and maintenance personnel instruction, participation of the PAF in the F-16 Technical Coordination Group , F-16 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program, F100 International Engine Management, EWSIP-Electronic Warfare Systems Improvement Program ,etc.
The aircraft were new-built to Block 15OCU standard, which makes them almost identical to the F-16 ADF (Air Defense Fighter). In fact, the only thing that distinguishes them from the ADF are the AIFF (advanced IFF) antennas or bird-slicers in front of the canopy. As a result, the aircraft have the identification light on the port side of the nose, and feature large bulges on the tail fin root which house the actuators for the tail planes (the actuators were relocated to make room for the installation of HF equipment and antenna). The B-models lack the HF antenna and thus the consequent large bulges. The aircraft configuration is almost standard but received some improvements, most notably the Ring Laser Gyro, the Wide-Angle HUD, Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E engine with DEEC and provisions for the use of the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
The acceptance ceremony for the first 2 aircraft was held on February 18th, 1994, and the first 4 aircraft were delivered on July 18th in the same year.
Peace Atlantis II
In 1996 the Portuguese AF requested 25 USAF-surplus F-16A/B's (re-engined), together with 5 spare F100-PW-220E engines. The estimated cost is $258 million. The second-hand Block 15 aircraft are to be used in the ground attack role (replacing the 50 A-7P's) starting in 1998.
On November 20th, 1997, the Pentagon announced it had made available for transfer 25 used F-16A/B Block 15 Falcons from the USAF (ex-ANG or stored D.M. examples). The aircraft are transferred free of charge (Portugal has to bring them to Europe, either by disassembly or flown-in by PoAF pilots). It appears that Portugal also has to buy new engines and spares.
On November 14th, 1998, the Portuguese government gave the FAP the go-ahead for the acquisition. The contract includes 25 (21 A's and 4 B's) used aircraft, which will be re-engined (probably with the F100-PW-220E). Of these only 20 (16A's and 4 B's) will be used to form an attack squadron. The five other airframes will be used as spare sources. According to the newspapers the 20 aircraft will be upgraded for day & night all-weather operations. Total value of the deal is 45.000 million PTE (some USD 268 million) which includes aircraft shipment, modification kits, logistics support and training and is to be paid for in parts until 2004 . Portugal signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) on November 30th, 1998, for 25 F-16 aircraft and 20 upgrade kits to modernize its air force.
The aircraft, formerly part of the US Air Force inventory, are being transferred to the NATO ally as Excess Defense Articles under the Southern Regional Amendment to the Arms Export and Control Act. They are currently in storage in the United States and will be shipped to Portugal and all modifications will be performed in country. During 2001, employees of LMTAS modified the first two aircraft in a Lead-the-Fleet program, with Portuguese Air Force technicians observing. LMTAS and USAF will assist the Portuguese Air Force in establishing a major modification capability on the F-16, and the Portuguese personnel have modified the remaining 18 aircraft. The modification line will be able to handle up to four aircraft at a time. The last aircraft is scheduled for completion in 2003.
Portugal becomes the 15th country using F-16s to obtain additional quantities of the aircraft. It will be the fourth country to operate former USAF F-16A/B aircraft bringing the total of transferred US F-16s to 93 aircraft. Portugal also becomes the fifth country to incorporate the F-16A/B MLU modification (See Modifications and Armament).
FAP Inventory
Program Model Block Number Serials Delivered
Peace Atlantis I F-16A Block 15OCU 17 15101/15117 1994
F-16B Block 15OCU 3 15118/15120 1994
Peace Atlantis II F-16A Block 15 21 15121/15136, 15141 1999
F-16B Block 15 4 15137/15140 1999
Modifications & Armament
Mid-life Update

On November 12th, 1997, The Pentagon announced that Portugal will upgrade 20 of its Peace Atlantis II F-16 block 15 aircraft to MLU-standard with modification kits bought from Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems in Fort Worth. The deal is worth about $185 million to Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon said. The sale would also include support equipment, training, technical assistance and spare parts. The kits are assembled largely with equipment acquired from other manufacturers in the United States and Europe, but Lockheed Martin manages the program from Fort Worth.
The MLU kits are primarily produced by the European industrial partners on the F-16 program and accumulated and shipped from SABCA, Belgium. Currently, aircraft are being modified and fielded in all four of the participating countries. Belgium has recently signed an LOA for 18 additional aircraft kits. The Portuguese program will increase the total number of MLU aircraft kits worldwide to 380.
The MLU changes include: block 50 F-16C/D-style cockpit with color multifunction displays, modular mission computer, APG-66(V)2 radar update, digital terrain system, Global Positioning System, advanced identification friend or foe, Improved Data Modem data link, electronic warfare management system, plus provisions for a reconnaissance pod and a helmet-mounted display. These modifications will result in the Portuguese Air Force having a configuration common with the other western European NATO F-16A/B users that participate in the MLU program -- Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands and Norway.
Modifications
The Peace Atlantis II F-16s will be refurbished and receive three major modifications: the Falcon UP structural upgrade, the F100-PW-220E engine upgrade and the F-16A/B Mid-Life update (MLU) avionics and cockpit upgrade.
Other upgrades to the Peace Atlantis II aircraft include a night identification light, dedicated electronic warfare MUX bus, additional chaff/flare dispensers, plus provisions for an internal missile warning system and a flight analyzer/air combat evaluation/voice and data recorder.
Armament and Stores

The Portuguese F-16s have probably retained their Sparrow capability, and examples have been seen carrying the Sparrow launcher rails. The Sparrows are supposedly AIM-7F models. Main air-to-air armament of the PoAF F-16s consists of AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The PoAF has purchased a number of AGM-65 Maverick missiles
Together with the introduction of the MLU upgrade, the FAP will also introduce new weapon systems to use with these upgraded aircraft. The Portuguese AF is considering the AIM-120 AMRAAM, JDAM, JSOW, and Rafael Litening II pods. The AIM-120 missiles were already purchased in 2004.
FAP F-16s use the AN/ALQ-131 ECM pods originally bought for the A-7P force.

*FAP Inventory*
Program	Model	Block	Number	Serials	Delivered
Peace Atlantis I	F-16A	Block 15OCU	17	15101/15117	1994
F-16B	Block 15OCU	3	15118/15120	1994
Peace Atlantis II	F-16A	Block 15	21	15121/15136, 15141	1999
F-16B	Block 15	4	15137/15140	1999

FB72012 British Tank Female sponsons

2011-07-17T01:19:00.000+01:00

(The label should read FB72012. The inscription "FB72011" has a typo.)

The Airfix Mk I Tank in 1/72 scale, as been around since 1967, but it's still very popular between small scale modellers. Recently, Airfix decided to re-release this kit with new parts, namely the "female" sponsons - whereas the first edition only offered the "male sponsons". However, these parts may lack detail and historical accuracy for the more demanding modeller.

Therefore, this resin update set features a pair of correct female sponsons.

- They should be removed from the casting film with the help of an x-acto nice and sandpapper;

- Superglue may/should be used to glue them in place;

- They should fit directly on the respective positions, substituting the plastic parts;

- Don't forget that a coat of primer will make the painting process easier (as an example).

Please click the following link for prices and shipping costs.

Thank you for your interest!

FB72013 Abandoned Kubelwagen

2011-07-15T19:36:00.004+01:00

This release contains 2 resin parts: a figure and a base featuring an abandoned Kubelwagen Type 82, both in 1/72 scale.

Please click the following link for prices and shipping costs .

FB72008 - Road block with dragon teeth

2010-09-07T01:30:00.001+01:00

Note: "massa de alisamento" means it's a spackling compound

FB72005 Vw Typ 157 Kubelwagen & FB72011 Inspectors

2010-03-23T21:00:00.002Z

Finished!

FB72005 Vw Typ 157 Kubelwagen

2010-03-02T11:30:00.001Z

Quick post just to link some photos showing the connection between the axles and the wheels.

http://www.tankmodel.com/images/vw166_parts/P1150081_L.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r263/drew01356/DSCF0011.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk131/mircea_cotiga/DSC00002-1.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/Hebster52/Kommandeurwagen%20-51/DSC_2793.jpg

FB72002 Railway Jeep

2010-01-29T00:23:00.002Z

FB72005 Vw Typ 157 Kubelwagen

2009-12-19T13:51:00.004Z

A picture to help you use the Kubelwagen conversion:

FB72009 - Dragon teeth defense line

2009-12-12T18:32:00.002Z

Ideas...

FB72009 - Dragon teeth defense line

2009-12-04T11:15:00.000Z

Now available as well!

FB72008 - Road block with dragon teeth

2009-12-04T11:14:00.002Z

Now available!

FB72011 - Inspectors

2009-11-20T00:17:00.000Z

Now available, as well!

FB72010 - M4A1 Deep Wading Kit

2009-11-20T00:16:00.002Z

FB72002 Railway Jeep

2009-10-27T11:53:00.001Z

This product was review in OnTheWay and received positive feedback:

http://www.onthewaymodels.com/reviews/Airfix/AlMagnus_Airfix_Jeep_01322_FBMinis.htm

FB72010 - M4A1 Deep Wading Kit

2009-10-15T23:52:00.006+01:00

Soon...

M4A1 Deep Wading Kit and accessories, particularly suitable for Shermans in Italy (Operation Husky)

FB72009 - Dragon teeth defense line

2009-10-15T23:45:00.003+01:00

Soon...

Early-style dragon teeth defense line, part of the Westwall.

FB72006 Culin Hedgerow Cutter (1)

2009-03-04T15:00:00.006Z

Another interesting photo brought to us by the team behind "Photos Normandie", on Flickr:

http://flickr.com/photos/photosnormandie/2964582255

Check the rest of the photostream, most interesting photos.

FB72006 Culin Hedgerow Cutter (1)

2009-02-25T22:19:00.007Z

Gently trim the excess resin and apply a bit of heat (using an hair drier, for example), to correct any distortion if need be.

You can use Vallejo 875 Beige Brown over a black undercoat to achieve the rusty look, taking in account these devices were built from the steel beams of the beach obstacles found in Normandy, for example.

I will try to paint a couple of them soon, at the moment I'm working on some other projects.

FB72007 Culin Hedgerow Cutter (2)

2009-02-25T22:03:00.005Z

New FBminis release: set with two (2) resin Culin Devices, also known as Culin Hedgerow Devices, Rhino Prong, Culin Hedgerow Cutter or Rhinoceros.

This set, FB72006, includes two (2) Type I devices, according to Mr. Steve Zaloga's nomenclature:

References (click on the image to visit site):

http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/usa/zaloga_culin_cutter.htm

FB72006 Culin Hedgerow Cutter (1)

2009-02-25T21:42:00.007Z

New FBminis release: set with two (2) resin Culin Devices, also known as Culin Hedgerow Devices, Rhino Prong, Culin Hedgerow Cutter or Rhinoceros.

This set, FB72006, includes two (2) Type II devices, according to Mr. Steve Zaloga's nomenclature:

References (click on the image to visit site):

http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/usa/zaloga_culin_cutter.htm

FB72005 Vw Typ 157 Kubelwagen

2009-02-12T23:46:00.005Z

Here's an inbox review and an out-of-the-box construction of the Italeri offering:

click to open in new tab

FB72005 Vw Typ 157 Kubelwagen

2009-02-12T18:13:00.006Z

If the canvas top doesn't fit properly, GENTLY warm the resin with an hair dryer in order to get a snug fit.

FB72004 Kleine Flossack 34

2009-01-27T15:12:00.003Z

I've been painting a couple of boats for future projects. They had been primed with automotive gray primer already, then they were airbrushed with a couple of coats of dark gray for the rubber color and all it was left was to brush-paint the detail with Vallejo water based paints. These paints benefit from the addition of a little dot of dishwasher soap or window cleaner to improve flow. I usually seal them with floor wax like Future of Klear to project them from the subsequent oil "washes".

The one on the left already received a coat of floor wax, whereas the one on the right hasn't.

FB72004 Kleine Flossack 34

2008-12-06T07:54:00.003Z

And here are the little boats. Still have to cast some for myself, for my projects...

FB72005 Vw Typ 157 Kubelwagen

2008-12-06T07:50:00.007Z

FB72002 Railway Jeep

2008-11-07T12:28:00.006Z

Long post, here we go. My objective is to make some more information available so you can build your jeeps as accurate as you may wish.

This conversion was popular in France, Burma and Australia, for example. Here are some photos:

There's also this popular photo that I mentioned in a previous post:

"Au passage à niveau de Lison (PN 90) voir sur la façade de la maison à droite.
Route : Isigny-Saint Lô et voie ferrée : Paris-Cherbourg.
En arrière plan à droite un groupe de quatre GI's casqués.
Derrière la jeep une guérite et à gauche un abri bétonné pour les cheminots en cas de bombardement.
Une Jeep Ford typique des forces du Commonwealth montée sur rail, les pneumatiques retirés et arrimés sur les flancs du véhicule.
La Jeep est à contrevoie direction Le Molay (ce qui peut laisser supposer une mise en scène).
Derrière la Jeep un soldat debout les mains sur les hanches en chemise manches retroussées avec un béret incliné à l'anglaise. Il porte un insigne d'épaule mais illisible.
Pour les militaires passagers de la Jeep :
-les uniformes portés sont des battle dress britanniques
-l'inclinaison des bérets, "typically british" y compris le chauffeur qui tente de faire prendre à sa casquette la même inclinaison. La casquette est ornée d'un cap badge qui semble être celui des RE britanniques.
- celui avec un calot porte le patch France voir ici : www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/2171445021/
On peut légitimement penser qu'il est français.
-celui à gauche avec une casquette " noire " d'un aviateur français, voir ici :
www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/2209751546/
IL porte un Formation badge illisible à travers le pare-brise.
Nous en sommes réduits aux hypothèses : qui sont-ils et que font-ils ?
NB La tâche blanche en bas à gauche ne semble pas être due à la censure mais à plusieurs bandes de ruban adhésif appliquées les unes sur les autres.
Voir ici : un autre tirage www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/2208935049/in/pool-autresphotos...

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lison
Lison est à neuf kilomètres d'Isigny-sur-Mer et quinze kilomètres de Saint-Lô.

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligne_Mantes-la-Jolie_-_Cherbourg
La ligne Mantes - Cherbourg est l'une des grandes artères radiales du réseau ferré français. Elle forme avec le tronc commun entre Paris-Saint-Lazare et Mantes-la-Jolie (ligne Paris - Le Havre) la grande radiale Paris - Cherbourg, qui dessert la Basse-Normandie et le Cotentin.

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Lison"

Text and photo taken from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/photosnormandie/2455762379/

Example photos of the towing mechanism:

Wheels and more:

FB72004 Kleine Flossack 34

2008-10-09T14:29:00.008+01:00

FB72004 is comprised of two(2) German light rubber boats and 2 pairs of paddles. My digicam broke so, I can only post older photos of the master.

You can find some photos of the real boat in restored condition here:

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79476&highlight=rubber+boat

This kind of boat saw intensive action during the invasion of France (crossing of the Meuse river),for example. There are a few photos showing it, here is a couple:

I found them online but I believe I've seen the first two in some Squadron Signal book.

This is a good site about the Pioneers. Here you will find info about the boats, the men and their gear:

http://www.afn.org/~afn41941/43stp.html

http://www.afn.org/~afn41941/bridge.htm

Since there aren't any cool looking figures to use as paddlers,I'd recommend converting these Preiser's:

http://henk.fox3000.com/preiser/PR72501.jpg

http://henk.fox3000.com/preiser.htm

They work,I've used them while building the master. Just glue and fill the gaps with Milliput or Magic Sculpt epoxy putties. Maybe one of these days I should try sculpting a small crew...what do you think?

FB72003 German Soldier Paddling

2008-09-09T19:52:00.005+01:00

Contains:

- 1 figure
- 2 arms

FB72002 Railway Jeep

2008-09-08T13:56:00.008+01:00

Released sometime during Spring 2007.

Contains:

- 4 wheel rims
- 4 wheel mounts
- 1 tow hook
- 1 tow hook mount

FB72001 A Space Odyssey

2008-09-08T00:27:00.009+01:00

Released in August 2007. Base airbrushed with Tamiya acrylics, monkey painted with Vallejo paints, everything sealed with Modelmaster Flat Lacquer after a quick drybrush with grey and white oils. Water done with clear resin.

Contains:

- One monkey
- One monolith
- One plaster base