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Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Aviaeology
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.99

Decals

The decals are silk screen printed, waterslide, and look stunning. Depth of colors, registration, and definition appear perfect. The carrier film is minimal and follows the outline of the national markings, letters, and aircraft serial numbers. There should be no need to use the kit decals with this set, as all the markings and stencils and included. There are only enough stencils to finish one model, though.

Instructions

Eight A4 double-sided pages make up the instructions. The instructions have the true depth of reference material that can be preserved in the modeler’s library once the kit is finished and decals applied.

Information contained within the instructions/reference pages include:

Book Author(s)
Gerry Manning
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
Flight Recorder Publications
MSRP
$19.95

This book is a photographic look at classic prop-driven water bombers, cargo carriers, and prop aircraft activities in South America. Some of the aircraft covered in volume two are the Catalina, Mars, CL-215, Conair Firecat (Grumman S-2), A-26, P2V, C-46 and more.

Chapter one is a photo essay on the various ex-warplanes and civil airliners that now make their living as fire bombers. Almost half of the book is devoted to these aircraft. I particularly enjoyed the photo coverage of the Martin Mars and other former warplanes converted to battle man’s oldest enemy, fire!

Chapter two covers Russian and Chinese built aircraft, with large photo coverage of the AN-2. In addition to the Colt, we are presented with photos of IL-18, An-8 and 24s, and Xian Y-7s.

Chapter three covers operations in South America. Here are some classic C-46s and DC-3s. Also photographically covered are more modern Soviet designs used in South America.

Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Trumpeter
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$56.95

History

The development of a Chinese all-weather interceptor began in 1964 and resulted in the first Chinese-designed and built jet fighter. The prototype took its maiden flight in 1969, but the J-8 was not produced until 1979 and entered service in 1980. Its basic configuration resembles an enlargement of the delta-wing of the J-7, with two turbojet engines and a maximum speed of Mach 2.2.

Book Author(s)
Paolo Varriale
Review Author
Brian R. Baker
Published on
Company
Albatros Productions, Ltd.
MSRP
$17.50

History

The Austro-Hungarian Phönix C.1 two-seat biplane was one of the lesser-known aircraft of World War I, primarily because it was so late in getting into unit service. Designed and produced by the Phönix organization, the prototype first flew in June, 1917, but production models didn’t enter service until March, 1918. The C.1 was a compact two-seater powered by a six cylinder Kiero 230 hp. water cooled engine, and was armed with two machine guns, one firing forward and one in a flexible mount in the rear cockpit. The airplane was fast, although a few of them were shot down by their main adversaries, the Italians. Fewer than 100 were delivered up to the Armistice in 1918. Postwar, the aircraft was ordered by the Swedes and, although 41 were ordered, only 26 were actually built and delivered. The plane served mainly as an advanced trainer throughout the twenties, some lasting until 1935. Later Swedish C.1s were powered by Hispano engines.

Book Author(s)
Pawel Matysiak
Review Author
Steve Collins
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$26.95

When this book was announced and I looked at the contents, I knew I had to have it. You see, I have am working on a collection of aircraft from the 352nd Fighter Group, the Blue-Nosed, uh, Boys from Bodney. And this book has decals for one of the ones I’ve been unable to find. In fact, the book has decals in 1/32nd, 1/48th, and 1/72nd for four aircraft: