This is the second of two volumes dealing with the history of the DeHavilland DH-9A, and continues the story of the postwar development and service of this most versatile biplane. The first volume generated a lot of feedback, so a number of points are clarified, and more details are included, although the main thrust of this issue is the postwar service and development, as well as the Russian copies that were produced as the R-1 after the Bolshevik Revolution. Since there are a couple of kits available of this aircraft, at least in 1/72 scale, the book will be of special interest for those of us who model World War I and “Tween the Wars” airplanes.

A product of the brilliant yet practical designer Ed Heinemann, the Skyhawk was a simple lightweight naval attack jet that served the U.S. Navy and Marines far beyond what anyone expected. One of its standout roles was serving as the mount of the U.S Navy’s Blue Angels aerobatic team from 1974 to 1986. These Naval ambassadors dazzled hundreds of thousands of people with their precision maneuvers, which the A-4, with its phenomenal roll rate, was capable of doing. I had the opportunity to witness these aircraft in action at the Pt. Mugu NAS in my teens. I was looking forward to sharing a shiny blue and gold bird with you until I saw the decal sheet. This is the original Monogram kit we all know which, in spite of its raised panel lines, still holds up against its contemporaries. There are decals for the Blue Angel birds 1 thru 4 but the other option is that of Senator John S. McCain’s A-4E as it looked in June 1967 when he was assigned to the Klansmen of VA-45.

Roll Models has come out with their own brand of aftermarket resin parts, Loon Models and we'll review two sets in this review- a gun pack set and a set to modify G-10 wings and wheels.

The gunboat Messerschmitt Bf-109 contains some of the best looking markings for the 109. So what is unique about this set? Well for one the centerline gun pod. As far as I can recall this is the only way you can get the centerline gun pod without scratch building it. The packaging refers you to the AJ Press #17 for pictures of the actual pod and installation. This will be very helpful. This will make your 109 different from the rest.

The wing gun pods are nicely detailed, but they don’t look much different from the kit offerings.

Everything is molded in blemish and bubble free light caramel resin you get six pieces, two wing pods, one centerline pod and three 20mm cannons. Each piece will require just a quick little cleanup and each pod will need the hole enlarged for the gun.