AFV Modeller Ltd

AIR Modeller Magazine, Nr.10 (Feb/Mar 2007)

Reviewed By  Mike Howard, IPMS# 30741

MSRP: 6 GBP (approx $12 USD) This book is available from AFV Modeller Ltd; please visit their website (www.airmodeller.com) for subscription and pricing details. Issue #10 of Air Modeller holds a very inspiring mix of aircraft models from early flight to modern day. The models shown within the pages of the publication are all of a high standard (as usual) and I found myself anxious to start some new models similar to those presented (gotta control those urges!!) The first big article is of an F-16D conversion to the latest and greatest Block 52 airframes flown by the Greek Air Force. The author, Julien Haccoun, starts with 1/48th Hasegawa F-16D kit and proceeds to add multiple aftermarket sets for the spine and conformal fuel tanks. A new main gear bay, intake, exhaust and cockpit are also on the list of non-standard items added to complete the necessary changes. The author also does some scratchbuilding to accurately represent the armament hung from under the aircraft. A nice sequence of the painting/weathering process is illustrated and explained in the text. The end result is a very nice and unique looking Viper in a cool paint scheme. A small section showing colors and markings for the 3" HE 60lb rockets used during WWII will be a nice bonus for modelers of British aircraft. The next article is the one that really caught my attention. Frank Oudin presents his build of the 1/48th Mirage IIIC in French Air Force markings. The build text includes some tips to ease the construction for other modelers. Again, the paint and weather sequence are well captured in the pictures showing the gradual progression to the final product. Another well built and finished kit to whet the appetite for jet enthusiasts! The next article takes the reader back to the early days of aerial conflict with a build of the 1/32nd Roden Fokker DR.1 triplane. The author has defined some of the "problem" spots during the build and briefly defines his fixes. The completed kit is finished in a green and red scheme flown by Von Richtofen prior to the stereotypical all red triplane that's usually associated with him. John Vojtech's incredible, multi award winning 1/72nd B-2 Stealth bomber is next on the venue. Here is a man with modeling skills beyond my wildest dreams! A brief explanation of some build features supports the multiple completed and in-process pictures. I can see why this model took the Best of Show award (amongst several others) at the 2006 IPMS USA Nationals! Well done John! If you like early Stukas, I believe you'll find the next section of reference photos to be invaluable. Eight pages of B&W pictures shows details both inside and outside of the Junkers dive bomber. Most photos have captioning, though not all, and it seems that the author wasn't 100% clear of what all of the items shown actually were. Still, the ability to use these photos for additional detailing go without question. A quick rundown of some of the latest modeling items follow next. New resin, PE, decals, books, paints, tools and kits are illustrated and explained. Lots of great new stuff out there to help reduce the modeler budget yet again. Finally the issue closes with some excellent photos from the Scalemodel World 2006 gathering. The eight pages of pictures in full color cover a wide enough range of subjects that almost everyone should find something to enjoy and stare at for extended periods of time. A big Thanks to Air Modeller magazine and IPMS/USA for providing me with this great publication for review.

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