Bill Cross reviews Volume Two of Double Ugly Books'' "Israeli Phantoms: The ''Kurnass'' in IDF/AF Service 1989 until Today" by by Andreas Klein and Shlomo Aloni, with Ra''anan Weiss, Lee R. DeHaven and Avinoam Myasnikov.

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Thanks!

Thanks, Darren, for getting this one "live."

And I hope the lack of comments doesn't mean this review has gone unnoticed. This is THE source, folks, if you're building a Kurnass, and very worthwhile even if you just like planes.

Don't gage a product's exposure by the lack there of, or many posting in the related modeling forum it was reviewed on. Forum postings have no real relevance as to how much interest or I recently had our SHM (Sierra Hotel Models) 48th F-16 ACES II Seats and F/A-18C-D Intakes reviewed on Hypercale and there was barely mention of them in the forums, but the surge in orders over the past two weeks speaks volumes in itself.

However, I've also had a set of my 32nd F-4 Intakes reviewed here and the response was a lot less than more recent products reviewed else ware. Gauging from how slow this forums moves on current or new threads posted, I just think there's a lot less traffic and interest in modern aircraft here.

As for your IDF F-4 books, if one has all the Isra books on the IDF F-4/RF-4, what does this (or these) new book have over the Isra F-4 books? It seems I would have to get both volumes, but are these available in the US and how much per copy?

I am interested in this book (and the previous one) as we can always use more F-4 references, but I do have a lot of refs on the IDF Phantoms.

Mike V

Hi Bill

As I'm sure you'll know only too well from all your years on Kitmaker, you should never equate lack of Forum responses with absence of interest. Our readership is sharply divided between Content browsers and active Forum members so, while this thread may have only attracted 80-something views, the Review's in the 400s (and I've added 1 by checking! )

All the best

Rowan

Bill, just an excellent review of a outstanding set of books. I really need to buy both.

Hi, Mike,

I have not had a chance to review the IsraDecal book on the Kurnass. It looks very good; I'm not sure if it's available other than direct from the publisher. Given that the volume is currently marked down from $49 to $39, it's very attractive for sure. I don't have any information on shipping costs, though it looks as though shipping is included if ordered from the publisher.

Both of the Double Ugly books are available from Roll Models for $44 each. If your order totals more than $199, shipping is free. I never have a problem getting $199 worth of goodies, so John and his crew have been a valuable resource for me over the years. Buy with confidence!

To your question about whether the IsraDecal book in one volume trumps the Double Ugly books in two volumes. The DU books are a complete overview of the Kurnass. And since the IsraDecal book is about half the number of pages of the other two combined, there simply can't be as much material. The color photos in the DU books make them stand out IMO, while the samples shown on the IsraDecal site seem less colorful. But I could be wrong.

If you already have the IsraDecal book, then I would not suggest going out and dropping another $90 on the DU ones, unless you are a Kurnass fanatic (it crossed my mind, but I thought better of it, especially when my wife suggested I sleep on the couch for a few weeks). Either option should work well for the more casual modeler.

Still, I lean towards the DU books because they are:

Gorgeous
Complete
Tell a compelling story

Regarding "pull" from reviews: I have written nearly 250 reviews on various Kitmaker sites, and continue to see them "pull" for the manufacturers who supply review copies. I was the one who wrote the Sierra Hotel review (click here). As a matter of fact, I am waiting for updated "splitter plates" to be sent to me, as well as some photos from your excellent instructions for carving up the Tamiya fuselage (one of the things that make your intakes stand out). Once I get those items, I will revise the review. I hope that will bump up sales, as I am planning on using these intakes in a Kurnass build currently on my workbench. I have used another set of intakes in this F-4J USMC Phantom build, and can say yours are superior (something we're not supposed to say in Kitmaker reviews).

Rowan, you are correct: I have reviewed a number of books on Kitmaker.net sites and they usually don't attract a lot of commentary. Just hoping to still the pot a little and get more eyeballs for these books.

Joel, thanks for the comment. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the set.

Bump. These folks publish outstanding titles.

I keep on telling myself that I have to start building some IAF aircraft, but the sad fact is I can't even build all the USA aircraft I have in my small stash which never seems to shrink. But who knows, the next build just might be from the IAF. Still, another book on one of my favorite jet; the F-4 Phantom certainly would be a welcome addition to my small aviation library.

Joel

Joel, these books are a fantastic addition to any modeler's library. Volume One is also a helluva good story about the switch from the Mirage III to the F-4E. Volume Two is more about the refitted Kurnass 2000, but has the "walkaround" photos you'd expect to find.