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Review Author
Ed Kinney
Published on
August 22, 2011
Company
Air Modeller
MSRP
$14.95

Recommendation – Most High

And yet another issue (Aug/Sept 2011) is here and, as it states at the top of their cover page, “Showcasing the very best in Scale Aircraft Modeling”. In my opinion, this is most likely the finest collection of some of the finest models built by some of the finest modelers…oh well, I’m sure you’re getting the picture by now.

This issues’ cover sports the Academy 1/72nd French Navy F-8 Crusader by Francois Regis-Binder, and to say that it’s spectacular just doesn’t get it! In addition to the article, there are several pages of 1:1 Crusader detail photos that will be a welcome addition to your research stash. Also in this issue are the following:

Book Author(s)
Peter E. Davies & Dave Menard
Review Author
Ed Kinney
Published on
August 22, 2011
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$22.95

All new from Osprey comes number 89 in their Combat Aircraft Series, authored jointly by Peter E. Davies and well known “Hun” expert Dave Menard. As in the past, this book comes in soft cover with 96 pages, including a plethora of color photos, black and white shots and several pages that include 27 profiles in full color of a collection of F-100s. In all, very nicely presented.



The text begins with “Hun” development, goes on to describe the aircraft as a warhorse, and continues with mission identification. It also covers not only the Wild Weasel Huns but also the Misty FACs as well. I found this to be a most interesting read and a welcome addition to my aviation library. Many thanks to Sara Batkie for the review sample. For more information, contact her by phone at 718-433-4402 or email sara.batkie@ospreypublishing.com.

Book Author(s)
Larry Davis
Review Author
Ed Kinney
Published on
August 21, 2011
Company
Squadron Products
MSRP
$16.95

Let me begin by saying that this latest “In Action” series publication is (in my humble opinion) the finest to have gone to press to date. Further, I have had the pleasure of knowing Larry Davis for more than 40 years and I will not hesitate to tell him that this is his best effort yet.

A full 72 pages of black and white, color photos and profiles as well as line detail drawings make this one of the most desirable I’ve seen on the subject. Artwork for the cover is by Dan Greer and line drawings are by Matheu Spragains and are exceptionally well done.

Review Author
Chad Richmond
Published on
August 21, 2011
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.00

The Centennial celebration of Naval Aviation has brought about some really colorful modern aircraft, emulating their predecessors from the yellow wing days, and, in particular, the distinctive unit markings of World War Two aircraft. They have made for some truly one-of-a-kind aircraft, and Bob Sanchez has managed to capture them for us enthusiasts. This particular sheet takes us back to the early days of aircraft experimentation and weaponry tests. When you first look at the colorful instruction sheet, you see a red, grey and white F/A-18C of VX-31 at China Lake. This aircraft hauls around a lot of weapons and weapon sensors under its wings, doing a lot of experiments. The second is an F/A-18A of VFA-204 out of NAS JRB New Orleans as it was painted during an air show tour at Ft. Worth in February, 2011. This one is Navy blue with orange ID bands. What a neat-looking airplane. When you unfold the sheet and look to see what’s inside, there’s the teaser.

Review Author
Chad Richmond
Published on
August 21, 2011
Company
Werners Wings
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$16.00

For nearly fifty years, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois was the workhorse of the Army, especially during the Vietnam War. It has also served in countless countries, in countless colors and configurations, doing everything imaginable. Now we have Sikorsky’s UH-60 Blackhawk taking over that role in even more configurations and colors worldwide, and performing even more varied missions.