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Front and back cover art

The Modern Phantom Guide: The F-4 Phantom Exposed
Book Author(s)
Jake Melampy
Review Author
Unknown
Published on
Company
Reid Air Publications
MSRP
$41.95

Everything you ever wanted to see on an F-4 Phantom II. When the author tells you “exposed”, that’s exactly what he means. This, no doubt, will be the definitive publication when it comes to detail shots of the F-4. Included are descriptions and details for the following: RF-4C, F-4C, F-4D, F-4E, F-4EJ, F-4F, RF-4E, F-4G and the QF-4. The Hellenic DIAS Phantom is also included.

If you’re a Phantom buff, as am I, this book is truly the best collection of information (for super detailing purposes) I have seen to date. I thought his (the author's) “Viper Exposed” book was super, but I believe this one surpasses it.

Many thanks to Reid Air Publishing and Jake Melampy for the review sample. Visit them on their website at www.reidairpublishing.com.

Cover art

Lockheed – Vega PV-1, Ventura PV-2 Harpoon
Book Author(s)
Steve Ginter
Review Author
Ed Kinney
Published on
Company
Ginter Books
MSRP
$44.95

Soft cover, 192 pages of black and white detail drawings and photographs covering both of these aircraft and their varying roles in Naval as well as civil service.

This book starts by covering the aircraft’s beginnings with the predecessor Lockheed (Electra) 10s, (Electra Junior) 12s and (Super Electra) 14s, and segues on to its wartime role as a patrol bomber used not only in England, but in the U.S. Navy as well.

As with most Ginter books, the research touches on all serial numbers manufactured, and traces them to their assignments. This was a particular interesting read for yours truly, in that I hold a type rating in this venerable old bird. In the closing pages of this book, I was able to trace, by registration number, the two birds I had the pleasure to fly. I was surprised to see just how many of these post-war relics made their way to Cleveland, Ohio.

Product display

Black-It Out Washes
Review Author
Robert Folden
Published on
Company
The Detailer
MSRP
$2.99

As any modeler knows, a good wash can pick out details and set a model apart from the crowd. There have been a lot of tips, tricks, and formulas over the years for the perfect wash. But The Detailer may have finally done it. The Detailer has created a line of twelve pre-mixed washes in various colors.

The washes come in 1-oz. bottles and are available in colors ranging from black through grey and white to greens and even purple. There are several uses for the washes, whether you’re a car modeler or a military modeler. The liquid is slightly thicker than water, and can be used straight from the bottle or thinned with water. The Detailer website shows some of the automotive uses such as blacked out grills, chrome tinting, lens and glass tinting, and various anodized metal looks.

Box Art

River Embankment Section

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
MiniArt
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$22.95

The MiniArt River Embankment Diorama Section consists of two sets of parts, some pieces being injection molded and some being vacuformed. The parts for the street surface, river embankment retaining wall, and access steps are vacuformed. The sidewalk railings, various street posts and stanchions, “park” benches and manhole covers are all injection molded. Each of the six part trees included in this kit are identical and each carries a manhole pipe casing and manhole cover, a storm grate frame and cover, parts for two sidewalk railing stanchions, and half of the parts required to build up a “park bench”. These parts provide the builder with all of the pieces to build up the street scene as shown on the box lid as well as extra parts so the builder can do a little free-lancing.

Box Art

Albatros D.III
Review Author
Greg Wise
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$24.99

On a first look you find the reboxed plastic along with a photo etch fret and a masking set. You also have 5 decal options that I will get to shortly. Removing the plastic from the resealable bag you’ll see all the hard work paid off for the Eduard crew. The level of detail is incredible and the offering is just as nice today as it was 10 –11 years ago when first released.

The only detectable blemishes to note are a few minor sink marks that are easily repaired. The first ones are four dimples located on the empennage two on top and two on bottom. The others are under the cockpit opening.

I began the straightforward construction as set forth in the instruction with no difficulties. Adding the photo etch details when called for. The cockpit turned out to be a little gem of sorts and will mostly be hidden.