I purchased an Airfix Mosquito kit, (A25001) in 2010 while attending the IPMS National Convention in Phoenix. After waiting for over 5 years after the purchase I decided that it was “Mossie Time”. The short version of the story is that while the Airfix kit was a fun and enjoyable project, through impatience and clumsiness I managed to trash one of the main gear to the point that it would not support the weight of the model.

Having learned a valuable lesson, and having a timely opportunity to review the 2^nd release of an Airfix Mossie in 24^th scale, I decided that I would incorporate the SAC gear into the Mosquito review of the Airfix A25000A kit. (The primary difference between the two Airfix kits is that the 2^nd release does not contain parts for the Nightfighter version and has a different set of decals.)

I have never heard much about the British Special Boat Service and was pleased to hear of this book as it tells of the SBS exploits that were never really told fully before.

The book tells the story of the SBS from its conception from within the Special Air Service (SAS) in 1942 through to the end of World War II when it was disbanded. The story covers the missions and history of the unit, its men and the major impact they had on the war in and around the Mediterranean. Like the SAS the SBS were very highly trained and ruthless. They were experts in Guerilla warfare and exploiting the Germans weaknesses and local country side whenever they could.

The SBS used hit and run tactics on German airbases and installation in and around the Mediterranean to help reduce the forces available to attack the Allies as they fought in North Africa and Italy. They were used intensively in actions on the Greek islands to hinder the German war effort.

When initially opening the kit you are greeted with this note: ‘This product can be assembled without having to glue but usage of proper glue is recommended for detailed parts.’ I find these instructions intended to entice younger modelers bit comical—as this Phantom model clearly requires the aid of glues of several types. With that caveat, it is a very easy-to-assemble kit and enjoyable kit to build. In keeping with these basic instructions, I have assembled this kit using almost no filler, aside from a very small amount of Perfect Plastic Putty (applying it using a very fine tooth pick to apply the filler).