MSRP: £36 annual subscription (6 issues)- approx. $50 USD
Website: www.airmodeller.com
I must tell you candidly that I’ve always considered myself to be a better than average modeler with a reasonable set of skills. Then I started to read this outstanding publication (6 issues per year) and have come to the conclusion that, based on what I see on these pages, I can be ranked as merely a gifted amateur. I’ve had the opportunity to review several issues of this magazine and I probably should start over, using the incredible techniques contained in these pages.
This magazine truly represents a variety of master modelers and the work published here is outstanding! But don’t take my word for it, pick up an issue and decide for yourself.
ISSUE 21 … December 2008 - January 2009
This issue’s cover aircraft is an Iraqi "Frogfoot" SU-25 featured in a desert diorama setting that is most impressive. This model, by Philippe Roger, utilizes the old Monogram kit and is excellent by any standards. The other features in this issue are:
- Pfalz D.III by Christian Dirchhoff – This features a detailed photo build article of the Roden 1/32 kit.
- ILA 2008 Berlin – A photo collection by Albert Tureczek of the aircraft in attendance at the show.
- Raw Force – This being part one of or incredible build of the iL-2M Sturmovik. Probably the most intricate masking job I’ve ever seen! This model was built to depict the aircraft before it left the factory, without paint or primer…Triple WOW !
- Sand Frog – the cover story, fully described.
- Xtreme Detail – This issue is the Grumman F7F-3P "Tigercat", to go with the Tigercat build article by Franck Oudin.
- "Mosi" – An excellent build article about Tamiya’s 1/48th scale Mosquito by Tomas de la Fuente Maganto.
- Brushing on a budget – compares three lower-priced double-action airbrushes.
- Air Born – This section covers the new release items in kits, resin, decals, P/E and reference materials.
- Grumman F7F-3N "Tigercat" by Franck Oudin. A full build article of the recently re-issued 1/48 Italeri kit.
ISSUE 22 … February-March 2009
This issue’s cover sports an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous F-100D in Turkish livery that I honestly thought was the large-scale Trumpeter release…wrong!! It’s the old ESCI 1/72 offering and it really blew me away. Truly one of the most exceptional 1/72 models I’ve encountered. This issue also contains:
- Supermarine Southampton Mk.1 – Part one. Folks, this one is almost indescribable! Especially considering it started out being a Martin B-26 Marauder! Gawd! An amazing effort by Megas Tsonos.
- Junkers JU BB G-1 Nachtjager by Roman Hugault.
- "Raw Force" Part II of the magnificent "Naked Sturmovik". Again Wow !! The wood graining techniques and the Alclad II application make this article well worth the price of the magazine.
- North American F-100D Super Sabre. Pierre Alan Lambert does a just incredible build of the antique ESCI F-100 kit. His replication of the afterburner section is nothing short of magnificent.
- Faded Glory – a photo collection by Zachary Sex of Polish museum aircraft with quite a few subjects as potential replicas.
- Focke-Wulf FW-190 – An outstanding build and picture article by Zdenek Sebesta featuring the Eduard 1/48 kit. Highly detailed.
- Air Borne – These pages cover the latest in newly released items.
- Battered "Bird Cage" – Emmanuel Pernes offers a comprehensive guide to weathering a Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1A Corsair. An excellent "how-to" description.
In conclusion, the more I see of this publication, the more I am hooked. If you’re into serious scale aircraft modeling, then this magazine is for you. Visit them on their website www.airmodeller.com for a complete rundown and subscription information.
Most highly recommended.
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