1/144 is arguably the aircraft scale that has seen more growth in recent times, attracting a large number of followers, especially due to the high-quality detail currently achieved by the manufacturers. This scale has many advantages, but its main benefit is that it allows us to model the largest planes, which in larger scales are frequently too big to display or store at home once finished.

Another great advantage is the simplicity and speed of assembly and painting of these models, which makes them very enjoyable and addictive. In addition, its small size facilitates the creation of small scenes and dioramas of manageable and practical sizes.

In this book you will discover, thanks to the guidance of master modelers and through detailed step-by-step articles, all the keys to assemble, detail, paint and weather any 1/144th scale propeller aircraft, from large bombers or airliners to small fighter planes. In addition, the final chapter includes a detailed article that shows you the fundamental aspects of diorama construction to display your 1/144th scale aircraft in an appropriate setting.

Known internationally for his armor modeling and finishing techniques, Miguel Jimenez has built a very successful company selling finishing and weathering products, kits, and several series of books. “1/144 Propeller Planes Vol. 1” is one such book, and I for one am thrilled to see it. And I’m excited that it’s Volume 1, suggesting that there will be another forthcoming. The book itself is extremely high-quality in binding and finish. The pages are heavy stock and glossy. My sample, unfortunately, arrived with the lower left rear corner dinged up pretty badly.

The first part of the book deals with large aircraft, such as bombers and airliners. The second half showcases single-prop fighters, and the last chapter takes the reader step by step through creating a diorama. The chapters/projects are:

• B-29 Superfortress
• L-1049G Super Constellation
• He-219A-5 Uhu
• Me 323D-1 Gigant
• Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe
• Spitfire Mk. XIV
• Gloster Sea Gladiator Mk. 1
• Me-109F-4 Tropical
• P-51B Mustang
• Outposts

The descriptive, instructive text is in English and Spanish. Each chapter/project tells you what kit was used, and which aftermarket parts, if any, were added. I especially appreciate that each artist describes how much colors were diluted or lightened, by percentages, for their achieved weathering effects. The diorama chapter delves into how each component was scratch built, i.e., the palm trees, pier, beach, water, etc. I haven’t built a diorama in at least 15 years, but this book has me thinking!

Each project utilizes Ammo by Mig products exclusively, which can be expected. This is clearly a great marketing strategy, because I’ve had the book exactly one day and I’ve ordered $85.00 worth of Oilbrushers.

The projects are finished with great artistry, and each one is a pleasure to read about. Great inspiration is to be had in this book. The contributing modelers are true artists, and their step-by-step instructions lay out how to recreate their results with clarity. I can’t recommend this book highly enough, as it’s techniques can be applied to any scale modeling project. The high-quality production of the book itself, coupled with the content, makes this a very valuable tool for any modelers’ armamentarium.

My thanks to Ammo of Mig Jimenez S.L. and IPMS/USA for the review sample.