Air Modeller

Issue No. 25: August/September 2009

Reviewed By  Dick Montgomery, IPMS# 14003

[book cover image]

MSRP: $12.00
ISBN: 771747177003
Website: www.airmodeller.com

Air Modeller, issue #25 is, as the title suggests, all about aircraft. There are eight articles, six of which feature a finely-crafted aircraft models built by some world-class modelers. Each article features big, beautiful, and highly-informative photographs showing the techniques that each modeler used to complete their masterpiece.

In this issue the reader will be treated to articles featuring the construction, detailing, and completion of a 1/32 P-39 (Special Hobby kit) by Emmanuel Pernes, a 1/48 Hasegawa Draken by Fanch Lubin, an LVG C.VI in 1/32 by Wingnut Wings built by David Parker, the Academy Ch-53 as built by Albert Turezcek, and a TA-4K built by Pierre-Alain Lambert by combining a Classic Airframes TA-4J and a Hasegawa single-seater. The magazine is rounded out with additional stories featuring a photo feature of F-16 Aggressors by Richard Digby, a list of new releases, and a great article by Lester Plaskitt and his Tamiya 1/48 F-4U. It is noteworthy that Mr. Plaskitt is a tank modeler and that his skills with armor cross over to aircraft easily.

I admit to a prejudice toward WWI aircraft, and it is the article featuring the LVG C.VI that caught my eye. Through pictures and text, one sees how to paint wood grain, how to enhance the already excellent detail of the engine, how to rig the model (very impressive) and how to decal it.

Conclusion

This issue is well written and illustrated with some stunning photography. I highly recommend this issue as a tool for those wishing to see how other modelers achieve fantastic results with rigging, weathering, and in adding detail. With the text and images provided in this publication the beginning modeler can learn some of the techniques used by master builders, and the experienced modeler can hone their skills by comparison to the models shown in the magazine.

My thanks to Air Modeller for the review sample