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Book Author(s)
Editor- Mick Davis
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
June 24, 2016
Company
Cross & Cockade International
MSRP
$9.25

The latest journal of Cross & Cockade International - Summer 2016, features a painting of ‘Halton Defenders’ by Michael Turner on the cover. Just taking off is a RFC Bleriot with a farman F.20 in the background. The rear cover shows a two side profiles of Contact Patrol RE.8s (A4267 and C2271) by Juanita Franzi. If you check out the web site link above, you can get additional sample pics of the current issue when they upload them.

Cross & Cockade International is a non-profit UK based group known as the First World War Aviation Historical Society that publishes their journal four times a year. They also provide a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the Sopwith Dolphin monograph I reviewed earlier for IPMS USA. This Journal is the sister of the US Journal, Over The Front.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
June 23, 2016
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$49.99

The Messerschmitt Bf-109 has to be the most iconic aircraft of all time. It evokes primal feelings in the hearts of modelers everywhere. How else can you explain the outcry when Eduard first released their Bf-109G-6? There were scale issues, some shape issues, and accuracy issues. Coming on the heels of Eduard’s Spitfires and MiG-21s, there was high expectations. Those expectations were dashed and all hope was lost. Until Eduard decided to take the high road and retool the entire model. Is this latest incarnation from Eduard everything that we have come to hope for? Let’s find out.

Book Author(s)
Stelios Demiras
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
June 23, 2016
Company
Mr. Black Publications
MSRP
$29.95

Mr Black Publications is a fairly new company that publishes several series of Hobby Modelling and History books and magazines. This Scale Model Handbook series covers figures, but other series are devoted to other areas; i.e. armor, aircraft, dioramas, etc. This book contains a unique collection of work that is aimed at all levels of modelers. This issue features seven well known artists who describe their techniques for sculpting and painting their figures or busts. The book itself comes in a nice clear re-sealable cover for protection. The 52 pages include the covers. The inside covers and the last two pages are devoted to figure advertisers. If you visit the product web site, you will find additional photos of the contents.

Review Author
Bill O'Malley
Published on
June 23, 2016
Company
Mr. Black Publications
MSRP
$49.95

This book uses seven dioramas to illustrate several aspects of modeling dioramas and figures, such as scratch built, conversion, figure sculpture & painting, etc. They book covers several popular modeling scales such as 1/35, 1/32, and 1/24. The dioramas cover many historical periods including Roman Empire, the 17th Century, and World War II.

The book is 8-1/2 x 11 inches and printed on matte paper. There are over 450 photographs. Many are low contrast and printed against a dark background, making it hard to discern details. The color intensity is also fairly low so the colors do not pop out.

Contents

1. Elephant Down! Zama, 202 BC - 54mm (1/32)

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
June 22, 2016
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$14.95

Eduard has produced a 1/32 scale version of the Mk.84 2000 lb. general purpose bomb and it’s the largest common bomb used in the military. Looking through my kits, there isn’t a good representation of this weapon in this configuration (there are plenty of laser guided versions) so this is a welcome option for modelers.

Inside the package you will find parts to make two bombs. There are two front bomb halves and two rear fin sections. Also included are three different fuse options, a set of small photoetch rings for detailing the rear fin section of the bomb and a set of decals. Also included is a nice set of instructions in color. The decals come in either white markings or yellow. More on them later.