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.