SAM Publications

Modeller's Datafile 11: Sea Harrier

by  Andy Evans

Reviewed By  Paul Bradley, IPMS# 35554

MSRP: GBP £18, approx $36 ISBN: 0-9551858-1-5 128 pages, colour side-views, scale plans www.sampublications.com SAM Publications' Modellers' Datafiles have become well established "one-stops" for the modeller, and I now have 8 of these titles. For this eleventh title, the subject is the highly effective, and highly controversial, Sea Harrier, recently retired from Royal Navy service for reasons other than its capabilities. For those unfamiliar with this series, the idea is to cover the subject in detail from the modeler's standpoint, and to this end, there are some common features to these books. There are chapters on modelling the Sea Harrier in both 1/24 and 1/48 scales, scale plans and color side-views by artist David Howley, and a guide to kits, decals and accessories. There is a short walkaround section for the F/A.2 as well as photographic coverage of weaponry. The history of the type is not neglected; development and service are covered in detail. Particularly useful is an in-depth report on the aircraft's combat duties during the Falklands War, including individual aircraft histories, a list of victories, camouflage and markings and lots of photos. Also covered in depth is the premature retirement of the Sea Harrier, and full coverage is given to the different "retirement schemes." A bonus included with this book is a decal sheet featuring Sea Harrier markings for the whole of its service, and in both 1/48 and 1/72 scales. As I have a number of Sea Harrier kits; I do have a particular interest in this type, and so I also have a number of books on the Harrier and Sea Harrier, but this one really does bring much useful information to one place and will save a lot of rifling through books for "that" particular photo or nugget of information! And with the bonus of the included decal sheet, its good value for the Sea Harrier enthusiast. With that, I can recommend this book to anyone with any interest in the type. My sincere thanks to Steve and the good folks at SAM Publications for the review sample.

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