Introduction

Building and Detailing the AMT 1/48 Scale B-26 Marauder is the second manual of the new Mike Ashey Publishing Comprehensive Series Scale Model Aircraft Manual. This manual has 22 pages and 119 color photos in an A4 format. This publication series is unique in format, too, the pages are pre-punched to fit into a binder; a cover and title page are includes, as is a page of spine banners to identify the book.

Mike Ashey has been writing acclaimed modeling books since the late 1980s. Now he has entered the desktop publishing arena with his books and new titles. Let's examine why his books are so highly regarded.

COMPREHENSIVE SERIES SCALE MODEL AIRCRAFT MANUALS

This is a different approach to publishing, which allows incorporation of a lot of sequenced color pictures into each manual, at a nominal price. Each manual is printed on heavy stock glossy paper and designed to be stored in a customer supplied 3-ring "D" binder. Each manual is pre-punched for a 3-ring binder; it also comes with a front and back heavy cardstock cover to protect your manual, plus front, back and side cardstock inserts for the binder. The side insert has 3 different cutout sizes for 1.5, 2 and 3 inch "D" ring binders.

United States and Puerto Rico Purchases can be made using PAYPAL, personal checks or money orders.

For International Purchases see the website instructions before placing an order. Mike Ashey Publishing Comprehensive Series Scale Model Ship Manuals are also now available on eBay. EBay also has manuals which are in "bundle" packages.

The Manual

Building and Detailing the AMT 1/48 Scale B-26 Marauder does just what the title states. The primary purpose is demonstrating the assembly of this venerable model. To a lesser degree it also contrasts and compares aspects of the AMT Marauder with the 1/48 Monogram Martin B-26. The opening discusses that in a single paragraph and then describes what is demonstrated in the next 20 pages:

Processing the engines
Weighing for nose wheel aircraft
Strengthening the airframe structure
Color and primer
Surface detail damage
Interior detailing with aftermarket sets and scratchbuilding
Painting and decaling

Content consists of 6-2 photos per page. These demonstrate to excellent effect Mr. Ashey's techniques. He uses tape to test fit of all parts. Superglue was copiously used in assembly. I am particularly impressed in his method of supergluing while the parts are taped. Also presented is the use of white glue to fill gaps. Eliminating ejector circle marks on various parts is demonstrated in several photos.

Fortifying areas for drilling is not new but it is interesting to see demonstrated. As is the use of plastic strips to fill gaps in lieu of putties and gap filling glues. AMT's Marauder is known for fit problems so this manual is valuable for modelers who have cavernous construction concerns. To ensure a strong wing to fuselage bond, a method of reinforcing with plastic rod is shown. The author even offers the use of sheet plastic along the fuselage halves to secure against future cracking.

Methods for correcting molding imperfections is exhibited in working with the cockpit interior. Plastic card comes to the rescue of a gap between the fuselage and canopy. Further interior work is shown with the bomb bay sub-assembly and cockpit parts. The kit instrument panel and control console feature raised detail that was sanded away and replaced with aftermarket items.

Liberal use of airbrushing of even tiny parts was used by the author and the reader can see how masking can be achieved even around tiny parts.

What to do about badly made model engines? Seven photos detail the remodeling of the kit powerplants into something closer to the real thing, with vastly improved detail.

Approximately 30 photographs detail the prepping and masking the aircraft for pain ting, and interesting methods for painting interior areas after the exterior paint has been applied. Prepping the model for decals is included. Prepping the old decals with excess clear film is discussed, too. The final page hosts two larger photos on each side, displaying the completed model in all it s glory.

The manual ends with a page for notes. Whether the reader intends to keep notes in building one's own AMT B-26 or to use the page for other models, it is quite a useful addition to the manual. Finally, the manual is accompanied by Mike Ashey adverts to whet one's appetite for his other interesting subjects.

Photographs

There are plenty. All are clear, crisp, clean and sharp high-quality images of each step. For the "how-to" portion, six images are used per page, with two bigger images displaying the finished model. I can describe the photos to you or you can judge them by the images in this review - a far less loquacious presentation.

Conclusion

Mike Ashey's Building and Detailing the AMT 1/48 Scale B-26 Marauder is am impressive publication. Even if one has no interest in the AMT B-26, the tips, techniques, and ideas presented are valuable for any modeling genre. Okay, I admit that I am enthusiastic about these manuals. The other three I have reviewed are equally as comprehensive, clearly written, and pleasingly arraigned as this manual. The captions narrate the images imparting the topic without eclipsing the photos. Those photos are excellent.

I have no meaningful criticism of this product and happily recommend it.

Please remember to mention to Mike Ashey Publishing that you found this manual here - on AEROSCALE.