Two Bobs Aviation Graphics are well known for their attention to detail, color accuracy, instructions and graphics, and quality. This latest decal set is no exception. The F-15A Fightin’ 49ers decal set comes with two decal sheets in a protective Ziploc sleeve (6”x 10”) and one-page glossy color instructions (17”x11”) that folds into a four-page booklet.

Included on the instructions, and their webpage, is a brief history of the 49^th Fighter Wing:

“Originally designated as the 49th Pursuit Group in 1940, the unit was one of the first combat units to deploy from the US to the Southwest Pacific after the attack on Pearl Harbor. There were 43 pilots that flew with the 49th who became aces to include Major Richard I. Bong.

ICM continues to be prolific with both kits and paint sets. The Acrylic Paint Set for US Armored Vehicles 1990-2000s continues this trend and consists of six 12ml wide mouthed paint bottles. The front packaging includes a presentation of a M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The back shows two M2 Bradley IFVs (Kit No. 72912) with color callouts for MERDC (Mobility Equipment Research & Development Center) Snow, Trees & Shrubs and Summer Verdant.

Philip Birtles is a name well-known in the British preservation movement, being a leading light with the DeHavilland Aviation Museum, and the author of numerous books about British military aviation. This new book from Fonthill Media draws heavily from Birtles’ photo collection to bring together a photographic survey of RAF combat jets, from 1945 to the present. Starting with the Gloster Meteor and DeHavilland Vampire, the book charts all types right up to the RAF’s new F-35B, all the photos being reproduced in full color. Each type is also subject to a short historical summary of the type’s development and RAF service.

Aside from some well-known photos from the RAF and from the likes of Charles Brown, many of the photos are previously unpublished, and are gleaned from the collections of Birtles as well as Adrian Balch, another well-known chronicler of aviation. As such, there are some unusual and interesting views to enjoy, and some good inspiration for modelers.