SAM, or more precisely Scale Aircraft Modelling, 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 August issue (Vol 34, Issue 06), a number of featured articles span subject matter from World War I to modern jets, both military and civil.

James Ashton’s article features the Special Hobby Ba.65 Two Seater. James uses oils to produce some excellent weathering techniques. The color images reveal that the technique James uses is very effective.

Chris Fleet builds an interesting Bf-109-E/E-7 by Airfix. Chris modeled an airframe that was captured in 1939, and as a captured bird, it sports British markings, an interesting and unusual paint scheme and markings for a Bf-109.

For those who feel the need for speed, Karl Robinson and Seb Videc tackled Trumpeter’s new FC-1/JF-17. Two models were built showing the model built, one with markings for the Chinese FC-1 prototype and another for a JF-17 for a standard Pakistan Air Force airframe.

Karl Robinson built the Zvezda Sukhoi Superjet 100 in 1/144th scale. Karl’s short article includes a description of how he managed to handle the cheat line between the bare metal and painted portions of the aircraft.

Mike Williams built the Hasegawa 1/48th EA-18A. Mike’s model includes the construction of a base resembling a carrier deck and the Hornet is about ready for launch.

Jamie Haggo built the new Airfix 1/48th Westland Lynx. Jamie really didn’t need much in the way of resource materials. He spent some years flying the Lynx and has first-hand knowledge. Jamie’s Lynx has a fantastic weathered appearance and tinted windows.

The centerpiece article is by Mick Capell, who tackles the Wingnuts Wings Gotha G.IV in 1/32nd scale. As a builder of WWI subjects, I am very pleased to get a chance to study Mick’s technique in manufacturing “turnbuckles”, or eyelets.

We visit with Mike Williams one more time with his article featuring the Handley Page Halifax B Mk I/GR Mk II from Revell. Mike explains, in great detail, how he achieved a magnificent weathering effect, picking out the panel lines on this rather large 1/72nd scale model.

Finally, Yiannis Giavasis builds the Italeri SBD-5 in 1/48th scale, and delivers a Dauntless in Mexican markings. Yainnis’ work on weathering the airframe is awesome!

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 for the review space.