For some reason, I decided a few years ago to build a collection of 1/72 Harriers. At that time I counted 24 separate and distinct sub-varieties and markings/nationalities. There would be more if I wanted to include all the two-seaters. So far, I have completed about 18 of them, from the first P.1127 prototype through the Kestrel and first- and second-generation Harriers. The kits range from the awful (Matchbox GR.1, which I could not bring myself to build) to the barely acceptable (Hasegawa GR.1/AV-8A) into the pretty good (Airfix/Heller AV-8B, Italeri AV-8B) to the really nice (ESCI AV-8A, Hasegawa AV-8B/GR.5 and AV-8B+). When I started the collection, there was no such airplane as the GR.9, so when it entered service I resigned myself to modifying a Hasegawa kit. With the release of this all-new mold from Airfix, I could now build it out-of-the-box without a lot of troublesome carving of small plastic pieces.

This book is a photographic look at classic prop-driven water bombers, cargo carriers, and prop aircraft activities in South America. Some of the aircraft covered in volume two are the Catalina, Mars, CL-215, Conair Firecat (Grumman S-2), A-26, P2V, C-46 and more.

Chapter one is a photo essay on the various ex-warplanes and civil airliners that now make their living as fire bombers. Almost half of the book is devoted to these aircraft. I particularly enjoyed the photo coverage of the Martin Mars and other former warplanes converted to battle man’s oldest enemy, fire!

Chapter two covers Russian and Chinese built aircraft, with large photo coverage of the AN-2. In addition to the Colt, we are presented with photos of IL-18, An-8 and 24s, and Xian Y-7s.

Chapter three covers operations in South America. Here are some classic C-46s and DC-3s. Also photographically covered are more modern Soviet designs used in South America.

History

The Austro-Hungarian Phönix C.1 two-seat biplane was one of the lesser-known aircraft of World War I, primarily because it was so late in getting into unit service. Designed and produced by the Phönix organization, the prototype first flew in June, 1917, but production models didn’t enter service until March, 1918. The C.1 was a compact two-seater powered by a six cylinder Kiero 230 hp. water cooled engine, and was armed with two machine guns, one firing forward and one in a flexible mount in the rear cockpit. The airplane was fast, although a few of them were shot down by their main adversaries, the Italians. Fewer than 100 were delivered up to the Armistice in 1918. Postwar, the aircraft was ordered by the Swedes and, although 41 were ordered, only 26 were actually built and delivered. The plane served mainly as an advanced trainer throughout the twenties, some lasting until 1935. Later Swedish C.1s were powered by Hispano engines.

Set 48-233. Colorful markings from the first air show of the 2009 season of the J-10 Chinese Demo Team. There are markings for both the single- and two-seat variants of the J-10. There are enough options on this sheet to build 1 each of any of the jets from the 2009 air show season.

Two sheets of decals are included in this set. Markings include national insignia, Demo Team logo, aircraft numbers, stunning tail markings, and various red and white scallops.

Decals are sized for both the Bronco and Trumpeter 1/48th scale kits.

Set 48-234. More colorful markings from the first air show of the 2010/2011 season of the J-10 Chinese Demo Team. There are markings for both the single- and two-seat variants of the J-10. There are enough options on this sheet to build 1 each of any of the jets from the 2010/2011 air show season.

Thanks once again to our friends at Revell for re-releasing the largest static Huey model kit once again and providing IPMS/USA a copy to review! We certainly appreciate the opportunity…

A bit of history: This kit is a re-release of the former Monogram 1/24th UH-1B “Visible Huey.” Originally released in 1970, it is said supposedly to have been a one-time run due to low sales. That’s sad, because it’s a really great kit of a great aircraft, and the operating features actually worked well. I have provided pictures of my built-up visible Huey next to the new release version for those of you who have not seen one. (It is not for sale, and many parts shown are NOT in the review kit….I provide these pictures for comparison only). I’ve seen these go for over $600 as collector items.