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AFV Modeller Ltd. |
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AIR Modeller Magazine, Issue #1 |
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Reviewed By Brian R. Baker, #43146 |
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MSRP: £48.28 GBP (6 issues) Air Modeller is the first issue of a new publication formatted along the lines of AFV Modeller, and from the same publisher. It is aimed at those interested in building museum quality models of military aircraft of all eras and in all scales. The first issue contains no advertising, and is focused entirely on aircraft modeling and military aviation history. Topics included in the first issue are: Hasegawa 1/32 scale BF-109G-14, Tamiya 1/48 scale F4U-1 “Corsair” , Accurate Miniatures’ B-25G, Tamiya’s 1/72 scale Spitfire Mk. V, and perhaps the feature article and certainly the best model shown, Fujimi’s 1/48 scale CH-46 “Sea Knight”. In addition, an in-depth article on the North American B-25 gives the background and history of that famous bomber, ten good color profiles and numerous archival photos, and a series of 62 interior and exterior detail color photos of a currently flying B-25 taken at a recent air display. To the extent that this aircraft represents the condition of a wartime B-25, these photos would be very useful to anyone super detailing a B-25, although the instrument panel is equipped with an ILS and VOR indicator, instruments not normally found on wartime B-25’s. Each article deals with the building of the specific model, along with aftermarket additions and detailing information. Step by step process descriptions are accompanied by excellent color photography. The modeling is basically top notch, and the photography cannot be faulted. Detail photos are provided, and corrections to kit problems are described. The models are shown in the various stages of construction, and they certainly are impressive, providing ideas for those wishing to build detailed models of those aircraft. What the magazine does NOT contain, besides ads, is information and reviews on kits currently on the market, articles on specific techniques, and articles on new products and aftermarket parts available. This is not the stated objective of the publishers. There is no editorial commentary, and no short “newsy” articles. It describes a few models, and basically represents a showcase for the work of some master modelers. Upon reading this magazine, my only question was “what is the target audience of this magazine”? Competent modelers are usually familiar with the techniques described, and other information on specific details on these aircraft is generally available from other sources. Six British pounds ($12.00 USD) seems a pretty steep price for a magazine with this narrow a focus. With the excellent quality of production and good writing as a start, however, I’m sure that the editors will adjust and include more kinds of information and subject matter which will make this a more useful publication for modelers in all scales. |
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