I really enjoy using the aircraft specific titles that Sam Publications puts out because of the amount of research, detail, and sections that are aimed at the model builder. I had been wondering about the Hataka paint line and how they compare to other paints. When I saw that this new series was done with HobbyZone and Hataka paints and that it had the same great look as other Sam Publications books. I just had to have it.

This first book of the series focuses on the aircraft of the Vietnam War, specifically the fighters and attack aircraft.

The Aircraft Modeling Guide is divided into 21 sections. They are:

Israeli Paratroopers, 1954-2016 is one of the latest offerings of a long running Osprey series that examines elite forces from around the world. The elite series follows a certain formula; something that Osprey is very good at. Each volume covers origins, a short chronology, organization and various operations that fall within the time span of the book. As with many Osprey publications, this one includes historic and contemporary photographs, and a series of plates that feature the uniforms, equipment, and lengthy captions that touch upon the history about the paratroopers. I am surprised that the Israeli paratroopers have not been covered until now. Regardless, this is a handy one volume history.

The Tamiya 1/48th scale model of the F-14D recently introduced is a fantastic kit following the previous release of the -A version. The parts are chrisply molded and loaded with detail that will certainly stand by itself. As with some kit manufacturers photoetch seat belts and harnesses are not included in the package. However, the kit does include a comprehensive decal sheets that includes decals that represent seat belts.

Modelers have used water slide decals seat belts in their builds with satisfactory, two dimensional results. Others have carefully cut the decals with the backer paper in place and fixed them on the seats with white glue, which offers a more realistic, three dimensional results. The Eduard set is by far and above a more realist solution.