SAM, or more precisely Scale Aircraft Modeling, is an excellent monthly publication focusing on modeling scale aircraft. No surprise there. And if you are a long-time fan of SAM, then it is also no surprise that I state that SAM is one of the best modeling magazines focused on aircraft that money can buy.

Averaging just under 100 pages, SAM is filled with “build” articles featuring some of the newer kits on the market, as well as projects based on old favorites. In the Sept issue (Vol 34, Issue 07), a number of featured articles spans subject matter from World War I to modern jets, both military and civil.

Starting with a WWI subject, Lukasz Kedzierski builds up the Roden 1/32nd scale Nieuport Ni.24bis. Lukasz finished the kit in Polish markings. This kit is labeled as an intermediate-level build. The images show a fully detailed cockpit and a stunning metal cowling.

For an equally stunning paint scheme, Chris Fleet chose an EMB-312 turboprop trainer by A2Zee Models. This is a resin kit, and that might be a bit of a challenge for those who have never experienced the joy of working with resin. The model is finished in Brazilian markings.

James Ashton presents the Fine Molds 1/48th D4Y2-S. The paint job is an example of excellent weathering techniques.

Additional short articles cover an MC.3 in 1/72nd by Italeri, Special Hobby’s Me-163A in 1/72nd, and Academy’s TBF-1 in 1/72nd.

A larger article by Brian Wakeman highlights the Roden T-28B in 1/48th. With the yellow wings, red tail, and blue fuselage, this build is stunning. One of the techniques covered in this article is a step-by-step approach to applying exhaust stains. Brian also describes the use of oil paints for the application of wash.

The cover article by Charles Keil features the Canadair Sabre, including profile illustrations and large b&w images. With this background, Brian Wakeman leads the reader through a build project using High Plains 1/48th scale kit. Brian demonstrates his use of oils to provide weathering as well as his use of Scale Aircraft Conversions’ landing gear set for this kit.

Mike Aldridge’s article on the Revell Ventura, a 1/48th kit, wraps up the build articles in this issue. Mike’s piece includes a series of images that will be very useful to the modeler, showing an excellent paint job along with a listing of supplies that were used.

SAM is high recommended. The reader is provided with simple descriptions of modeling techniques written by world-class modelers. Each article is accompanied with an array of color images that are as instructional as the text in the article. Thanks to SAM for the review sample and IPMS/USA for the review space.