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Introduction: The primary organization of the IPMS/USA Review website is by IPMS/USA National Contest Class. Within each Class there are sub-menus by kits, decals, books, etc. The Miscellaneous Class is for items that are not class specific or that cross two or more classes.

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Book Author(s)
Bob Archer
Review Author
Ben Morton
Published on
Company
Key Publishing Ltd
MSRP
$24.95

F-111 Fort Worth Swinger by Bob Archer (not to be confused with the underground sex club, Fort Worth Swingers) is a new publication from Key Publishing of England. This ninety-six page tome is a first rate collection of color images of each mark of the F-111 with concise and complete descriptions of those variants and the role that each type played within the U.S, Air Force. Mister Archer doesn't neglect the foreign operators of the F-111 either.

This 7”x10” soft cover book contains 180 images of the F-111 in all its guises. The book focuses on the operational history as well as the deployment of each type. Divided into ten chapters F-111 Fort Worth Swinger details each of the 'Aardvarks' iterations from the prototypes ( Air Force /Navy) to export versions.

Book Author(s)
Juan Alonso
Review Author
Greg Kittinger
Published on
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$9.99

Although I’ve used several products from this prolific manufacturer, I’ve not had the opportunity to read one of their publications. The apparent premise and structure of the book (and all books in the Solution series I imagine) is to take a specific subject and then using paint and weathering products from AMMO of Mig, obtain a somewhat advanced result, at least to the paint and weathering of the model.

The website description verifies this is intended as a “simple and basic guide,” and such it is, but there are some great tips for any level of modeler, both about basic techniques used to achieve a particular effect and about the uses of AMMO’s products.

Book Author(s)
Geoff Coughlin
Review Author
Greg Kittinger
Published on
Company
Pen & Sword
MSRP
$28.95

The F-4 Phantom II needs no introduction to serious aircraft modelers. Arguably one of the most important warplanes of the 20th century, over 5000 were built during a 23-year production period, and the Phantom was flown by all 3 U.S. air services (USMC, USN, and USAF) as well as the air forces of 11 foreign operators.

There are many great Phantom reference books on the market. Most focus on either actual aircraft pictures and reference material, or on a collection of models. As a Phantom enthusiast (I have 7 or 8 built models in my display cabinets and another 60+ in my stash), I have several of each type of book in my library, and this one is unique in that it is a combination of both.

Book Author(s)
Robert Pied, Nicolas Deboeck
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
HMH Publications
MSRP
$32.00

This is the first book in a new detail series. The books are cover to cover gorgeous color photos of thirty of the thirty-nine flyable Mk IXs and XVIs around the globe. The book includes pictures of the various aircraft in flight, detail shots of the cockpits, fuselage, weapons and undergoing maintenance. These photographs are of the highest quality, showing intricate details. Many of these detail shots area accompanied by explanatory captions.

Book Author(s)
Dariusz Paduch
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$46.00

When most aviation enthusiasts and modelers think of heavy fighters, the image of larger, usually twin-engine aircraft such as the Bf-110, P-61 or Bristol Beaufighter come to mind. In Japan during WWII a heavy fighter designation meant an aircraft that were armed with large caliber machine guns and/or cannons. So, several small single engine fighters were considered to be “heavy fighters.”