As previous reviews have indicated, this bimonthly magazine continues to achieve its claim of “Showcasing the very best in scale aircraft modeling.” Actually, I think it might better be said that each issue “showcases the very best photography of scale aircraft models.” Whatever the claim, this publication provides eye candy for those in the hobby who can afford the price of admission. At $14.95 a copy, it should be a cut above the rest of the crowd…and, by most measures, it is. The photography is nothing short of spectacular, the layout is professionally handled, and, in contrast to previous issues, #41 is printed on a slightly thinner, glossy paper that greatly enhances the sharpness of the 185 photos used to illustrate the six model building features (and the remainder of photos that illustrate the product reviews). In common with previous issues, #41 offers a variety of subjects that should satisfy the tastes of many model builders. In this issue, articles cover building:
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The Parts
This product contains 9 pieces cast in white metal which replace the struts and gear for the Bronco kit. Please note that I did not use the Bronco kit for this review. I used, instead, the Hobby Boss Me-509 kit, # 02849. The Bronco kit was not “in my stash” but the Hobby Boss kit was readily available.
The molding is clean, with no “step” along mold release points. One of the support arms had a small amount of “flash” on it. This small piece of metal was removed with an Xacto and sanded very gently with a nail file.
Assembly
Even though the Bronco kit is the recommended “mate” for this SAC product, I found that the parts would also fit into the Hobby Boss kit without any problems. Some caution is wise when handling the retracting struts….the change in diameter between extending rod and the main strut reveals a potential weak point on this part.
Model-Master’s line of aftermarket detail parts now includes a 1/48 scale turned brass pitot tube designed to enhance any 1/48 Hawker Hunter (currently, that means an Academy or recently released Italeri kit). It is one of those small items that will dramatically improve the appearance of the finished model, something that becomes quite obvious when the metal part is compared to the injection molded kit part. Placing it next to the kit part clearly illustrates how much the injection molded plastic part is bulked up for manufacturing…resulting in something that is thicker than it should be. The photo below of the nicely tapered Master-Model metal part next to the kit part on the sprue demonstrates how much thicker (and shorter) the kit part really is.
This book is a collection of flying stories and not about paratroops, as some may infer from the title. The author has an impressive resume, to say the least! He has served as a test pilot, RAF pilot, movie and demonstration pilot, air show pilot and won the British Aerobatic Championship 13 times, so he knows what he is talking about.
Authors Michael Collins and Martin King have written a well researched and historical account of the German attack in the Ardennes in December, 1944. What makes this book special is that it covers the human (but not necessarily humane) aspects of the battle.
The book is a day-by-day narration of the main military actions that occurred during the Battle of the Bulge. Each chapter begins by describing the front situation and what different units were charged to do. So far, that is a ‘regular’ history book. But then the rest of each chapter has first person narratives from the soldiers (from both sides, but mainly American ones) and even support personnel like nurses, on how they managed to do what they were charged with.
Most of the book covers the German thrust up to December 25th. The last chapter of the book covers the Allied counter-attack that lasted from late December, 1944, up to January/February, 1945.