Scale Aircraft Modelling is an excellent monthly publication focusing on modeling scale aircraft. Averaging just under 100 pages, SAM is filled with build articles featuring some of the newer kits on the market, as well as projects based on old favorites. Printed on glossy paper in full color, this magazine is a treasure chest of information about modeling techniques as well as a great source of information on new products.

The cover article in this issue is entitled, “Classic Cat” and refers to the F7F Tigercat. The kit being spotlighted is the Italeri 1/48th scale “Cat”. Author/Modeler Philippe Roger presents a Masterclass in scratchbuilding additional detail for the Italeri kit. There are seven pages of detailed text accompanied by a series of detailed images. The lessons put forward by P. Roger are not limited to the F7F but are easily applicable to other aircraft.

To follow up with the initial review of the decals, here is the completed model with the Vintage Flyer decals applied. As was stated in the initial review, most decals consist of either two or three layers. I did not need to coat the decals with Future or any other sealer as this was already done by Vintage Flyer. Be sure to cut the decals out close to the design to minimize carrier film.

The first decals down were the white backgrounds. These went on the model well but did not seem to snuggle into the panel lines, even after applying decal solvents. Be sure to follow the instructions on which decals go next. In some cases, like the windows, the black decals go next, but that’s not the case with the registration decals.

The first jet airplane I ever saw was in 1948 at the opening ceremonies of Idlewild Airport (now J.F.K.). I was only five years old and while most there covered their ears, I just ate up the sound of jet noise. I never got over it. In the over 60 years, I have been building models, I never got around to building a P/F-80 until now.

The kit I am reviewing is the Special Hobby F-80C in 1/32 scale. Upon opening the box, one is impressed with the size of this aircraft. It is molded in light grey plastic on some very heavy sprues. The molding is nice and crisp with recessed panel lines. The canopy parts are in a separate bag for protection and are just beautiful.