The F-8 Crusader has always been one of my favorite aircraft. I personally tend to model in 1/48 scale, however when the opportunity came up to review Aires 1/32 detail set for the Trumpeter F-8E/H, I could not resist. The set showed up, and I found an F-8 kit with a few other goodies shortly after, so I was all set.

Aires has always been a leader in the realm of aftermarket resin sets. I am used to their 1/48 line and the level of detail found on those, but was blown away with their treatment in 1/32. First, the set is large, and comes in a sturdy cardboard box with lid and clear picture of the contents. Opening the box you are greeted with several bags of large resin parts, a small photo-etch fret, and instructions.

The main areas covered by this set are:

Everything you ever wanted to see on an F-4 Phantom II. When the author tells you “exposed”, that’s exactly what he means. This, no doubt, will be the definitive publication when it comes to detail shots of the F-4. Included are descriptions and details for the following: RF-4C, F-4C, F-4D, F-4E, F-4EJ, F-4F, RF-4E, F-4G and the QF-4. The Hellenic DIAS Phantom is also included.

If you’re a Phantom buff, as am I, this book is truly the best collection of information (for super detailing purposes) I have seen to date. I thought his (the author's) “Viper Exposed” book was super, but I believe this one surpasses it.

Many thanks to Reid Air Publishing and Jake Melampy for the review sample.

As any modeler knows, a good wash can pick out details and set a model apart from the crowd. There have been a lot of tips, tricks, and formulas over the years for the perfect wash. But The Detailer may have finally done it. The Detailer has created a line of twelve pre-mixed washes in various colors.

The washes come in 1-oz. bottles and are available in colors ranging from black through grey and white to greens and even purple. There are several uses for the washes, whether you’re a car modeler or a military modeler. The liquid is slightly thicker than water, and can be used straight from the bottle or thinned with water. The Detailer website shows some of the automotive uses such as blacked out grills, chrome tinting, lens and glass tinting, and various anodized metal looks.

On a first look you find the reboxed plastic along with a photo etch fret and a masking set. You also have 5 decal options that I will get to shortly. Removing the plastic from the resealable bag you’ll see all the hard work paid off for the Eduard crew. The level of detail is incredible and the offering is just as nice today as it was 10 –11 years ago when first released.

The only detectable blemishes to note are a few minor sink marks that are easily repaired. The first ones are four dimples located on the empennage two on top and two on bottom. The others are under the cockpit opening.

I began the straightforward construction as set forth in the instruction with no difficulties. Adding the photo etch details when called for. The cockpit turned out to be a little gem of sorts and will mostly be hidden.

I’m not a war gamer, but I’ve been curious about it for a few years now so I jumped to the opportunity to review a war gaming book.

Fields of Glory is a series of war gaming books oriented to the ancient and medieval ages. This current book is the first of the series expanding into the renaissance era and as such is the rulebook.

The book has a historical introduction to the military doctrine of the renaissance era including pros and cons of different military formations of the time (tercios, keils, cavalry, etc).

Then the book moves into what is needed in order to be able to play, before diving into details of troops, battle groups and in general, the rules of the game, including movement rules and combat phases like impact, maneuvering, shooting and melee. Each rule is demonstrated with examples, which makes understanding and learning of the rule much simple.