Phoenix Scale Publications, based in Great Britain, is a partnership of four people whose combined experience equals over 100 years working in both the aviation and modelling press. After so many years working for others, we have come together as equal partners in this new venture, with each partner bringing their own unique talents. On the editorial side we have Andy Evans, who, during his 40-year career has been at the helm of five aviation and modelling magazines, as well as a contributor to many more. He is also a published author with over 60 aviation and modelling books to his name. David Francis is an IPMS UK and Belgium Nationals Gold winning modeler (though he freely admits there were only 3 models in his class that year at Telford!) and he has edited one of the world’s best-selling magazines for six years. His work has featured in numerous aviation and modelling books and magazines for the last 35 years. On the design side we have Jonathan Phillips and Andy Folds, who have been involved in designing and producing a wide range of magazines and books over the last 25 years, including market-leading modeling magazines.

Phoenix Aviation Modeling was first published in December 2021 as a monthly magazine in both print and digital editions. Print editions are currently available at 250 Barnes & Nobles bookstores for $12.99 or online from Sprue Brothers Models for $9.99. Phoenix Scale Publications offers a digital subscription of Phoenix Aviation Modeling for $34.99 annually for 12 issues [$2.92 per issue]. Similar to other modelling magazines, there are repeating topics for every issue of Phoenix Aviation Modeling, here referred to as ‘Regulars’. These standard columns include the latest releases in books/magazines, kits, accessories, future events, and an update from IPMS UK. This issue includes seven feature articles that cover build reviews of recently released aircraft kits.

The first of these feature articles in this issue addresses the ICM 1/32 Fiat CR 42AS Falco as built by James Elston. Although intended as an out-of-the-box build, James Elston ended up adding a few extras in the form of lead wire to the engine, Eduard photoetch harnesses, and CMK resin wheels. Painting and weathering details are also included as illustrated on Page 19. The third feature, as shown on Page 32, is by Ian Gaskell where he takes the Pilot Replicas 1/48 Saab Sk 60 kit and finishes it in a colorful Austrian scheme. Although there are airframe differences between the Sk 60 A/B and the Austrian Air Force Saab 105Ö, the 40th Anniversary markings are striking. Ian Gaskell does use a decal set from Brent-Air Decals, who are also promising a resin detail set in 2024 that would support the conversion of the Sk 60 B to a Saab 105Ö.

Stuart Barry addresses the HobbyBoss 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 262B-1A next, see Page 38. Largely built out-of-the-box, Stuart did add harnesses for both seats. Painting and weathering details are provided, all applied with a rechargeable battery-powered mini-compressor attached directly to the airbrush. Next, Jamie Haggo builds the Clear Prop 1/48 Curtiss H-75N Hawk. I would say it was built out-of-the-box, but alas, Jamie Haggo could not resist replacing the seat from SBS. Upgrades marketed by Clear Props were also utilized in the form of resin exhausts and the pitot tube. This seven page review, see Page 44, is the most detailed build in the June issue and includes 43 color photographs. Luke Flynn does a nice out-of-the-box build of the new Eduard 1/48 North American P-51B Mustang in D-Day markings [Page 53]. ‘Dallas Darling’, a P-51B-10-NA flown by Captain Henry White is truly a striking bird with the full invasion stripes and blue nose. The contents include:

Regulars:

• Newsstand
• Czech News
• Accessories
• Decals
• IPMS (UK) by Chris Ayre
• In The Next Issue:
• Events…The Places To Be In 2024

Features:

• Fighting Falco by James Elston [ICM 1/32 Fiat CR.42AS] (Page 19)
• ‘Corky’ Straight-From-The-Box by Luke Flynn [Airfix 1/72 Consolidated B-24H Liberator]
• Tiger 105 by Ian Gaskell [Pilot Replicas 1/48 Saab Sk 60 A/B] (Page 32)
• Two Seat Swallow by Stuart Barry [HobbyBoss 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 262B-1A Schwalbe] (Page 38)
• Hawk-Eyed by Jamie Haggo [Clear Prop 1/48 Curtiss H-75N Hawk] (Page 44)
• Overlord Mustang by Luke Flynn [Eduard North American P-51B Mustang] (Page 53)
• A Boom with Bite by Jonathan Davies [Airfix 1/48 DeHavilland Vampire F.3]

Phoenix Scale Publications has a winner here, whether you pick up the printed copy or download the digital copy. The featured build reviews are all well done and look great on the magazine’s glossy paper.My thanks to Phoenix Scale Publications and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great issue.

Highly recommended!