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Book Review
Air Power Modelling Vol. 2
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

Periscopio Publications have released an interesting set of modelling and research articles in Volume 2 of Air Power Modelling. I must admit that I missed Volume 1, but that's my loss, because Air Power Modelling provides a nice balance between pure modelling and research articles.

The book is somewhat akin to a “heavy-weight” magazine - 74 pages printed on high quality paper and full-colour throughout. The content is well chosen for its mix of quite unusual modelling topics combined with some useful research material. Vol. 2 contains 6 articles:

  • 1. Lobnitz 1944 – an impressive aircraft diorama
  • 2. Curtiss SO3C Seamew
  • 3. He 219 Uhu
  • 4. Bell Airacobra P-400 and P-39Q
  • 5. Swedish Air Force 1939-45
  • 6. Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat

Lobnitz 1944by John Lekkas is the cover article and is really quite an inspiring diorama. Incorporating a healthy amount of what Shep Paine calls “gizmology”, the recreating of a chaotic aircraft servicing centre in the midst of the collapse of the Reich should surely get the creative juices flowing. Along with a well written description of the project and plentiful photos, there's also a set of scale drawings for any tempted to try to build a similar scene for themselves.

The Curtiss SO3C Seamew built impressively by Yiannis Asimakos is Czech Models' 1/48 scale kit, with some basic aftermarket additions and a scratch-moulded canopy. Backing up the build are a neat set of profiles by Richard Caruana.

It's no surprise to see that Mikhail Poutnikov's He 219 Uhu is the Tamiya kit – but it benefits from Aires resin details in a very impressive build that includes reference photos, another set of profiles, and this time cockpit views by Vincenzo Aulletta.

Swedish Air Force 1939-45 – Camouflage and Markings by Rafael Lismanis is an interesting research article that should certainly prove useful. Along with quite a detailed description of aircraft and the development of colour schemes and markings, there are also colour matches for F.S. equivalents and another fine set of profiles to whet the appetite.

Bell Airacobra P-400 and P-39Q by Yiannis Asimakos again is a back-to-back build of the classic 1960s Monogram kit and Eduard's recent version. Again, there are profiles and colour scrap views included, and this time there's also a mini-walkaround with some useful shots of the undercarriage and engine.

Lastly, there's Nikos Kavathas's Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, built from the Tamiya kit, but heavily modified with access panels opened and a lot of scratchbuilding to form a really fine build to end on. Again there are some profiles and another useful set of photos of a preserved 'Cat.

Conclusion
Air Power Modelling Vol. 2 is slickly presented and contains a good mix of WW2 era subjects. The inclusion of reference sections should ensure a healthy shelf-life after you've read through the modelling projects, and the high standard builds contain techniques that are definitely worth learning from.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Skilful builds backed up by interesting research, colour profiles and scrap views, along with limited walkaround photos.
Lows:
Verdict: Air Power Modelling falls in the middle ground between a conventional modelling magazine and a reference book. The mix of articles and the high quality artwork should ensure it's a source of inspiration worth returning to.
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: 968-960-6740-28-2
  Suggested Retail: 12.00 Euros
  PUBLISHED: Jul 27, 2008
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 87.56%

Our Thanks to Periscopio Publications!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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