I first made this model shortly after the 1989 release of the new Batman movie, having been fascinated by the transfiguration of this iconic machine from the old 1964 Adam West series, even going so far as to mail order the optional “cocoon” shroud for it. As the movies have proceeded, I’ve liked the Batmobiles featured less and less, as they have evolved from a snazzy convertible into heavily armed paramilitary vehicles much the way Batman himself has evolved from the noble “caped crusader” into a sociopathic vigilante. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I rather liked the idea of a crime fighter exclusively using his fists to deal with villains.

In any case, I never had a opportunity to model the re-release of this interesting machine after the second movie, where AMT added an exposable turbine engine and retractable computer controls. This latest incarnation not only features these lovely bits but also a card stock “background” display. What fun!

Ray Rimell is releasing a limited edition volume (1,000 individually numbered and signed copies) of the ‘true story of the ‘Billericay Zeppelin’. A companion volume on ‘The Last Flight of the L31’ is being released simultaneously. The cover features a painting by Robert Karr depicting 2/Lt. Frederick Sowrey taking off from Suttons Farm in his RAF Be2c 4112 on the night of September 23, 1916. Ronny Bar contributes a color side profile of Sowrey’s RAF Be2c. I counted 55 photographs (including eight in colour) and a 1/48 scale drawings of a night fighting BE2c (RAF1a engine).

Thank you to Master Model and the IPMS Reviewer Corps for the privilege of reviewing this excellent replacement part set offered by Master Model in the Sea Master Series for 350-scale ship models. The replacement masts will add a crisp eye-catching detail in a highly visible part of any modern ship model. Master Model is continuing an excellent line of replacement brass parts for ship models.