This large book (8 ¼ inches x 12 inches) was originally titled Aviation Modeling Techniques: The Greatest Guide when first published by Euromodelismo.. The book is profusely illustrated with almost 1000 color photos. The book is entirely in French. Each chapter covers the complete building process of one aircraft model. These chapters cover aircraft from WWI up to modern day.

Each chapter features a step by step guide to the building process. From detailing, assembly, painting and decaling each step is thoroughly discussed. Typing some of the captions into Google translation yielded some interesting and helpful information. Some of my favorite chapters include one showing the build of a Ki-43 and another on the F4D.

Beginning on page 160 is a Gallery of other completed models. Some favorites here are a complete but unpainted IL-2 showing the metal and wooden areas to advantage, a super-detailed 1/72 FA-18 and an F7U under construction.

Round 2 has reissued the AMT 1962 Thunderbird with both stock and custom parts, not offered in the original release. The 1962 Ford Thunderbird, known to aficionados as the “Bullet Bird”, was the 3^rd generation of the 3 most classic and beloved Thunderbird designs: “Square Bird” 1958-1960, “Bullet Bird” 1961-1963, and “Flair Bird” 1964-1966. The customizing features include ride lowering suspension with rear skirts, low profile whitewall tires and sombrero wheels, Lucas style headlights and sombrero taillights, and a 4 barrel engine option with separate manifold and air cleaner. The decals are a customizer’s dream: scallops for the hood, rear deck and sides, pinstripes, and “T-bird for Two” logos in black and white. To top off the custom look, choose the soft top, convertible, or tonneau cover. The kit is accurate, well detailed, and for the most part fits well. I elected to make a mild custom version, here are my construction notes:

History and Performance

I have never been a big follower of the Sherman (and I certainly do not mean to offend anyone), and therefore cannot offer anything new on the history or performance of this medium tank, as it has been addressed many times before. My references were limited to the Internet and the Squadron Signals publication Sherman in Action.

The M4A3 was the major service variant, and was the model chosen for postwar production, and was the most produced of all Sherman variants.