INTRODUCTION

One of this Summer's hot new releases from Osprey Publishing, “Modelling the De Havilland Mosquito”, is a very unique book about a very unique, and special airplane, whose history reflects the reliability and heavy usage of this wooden war bird. Working primarily in 1/48 and 1/72 scale, the author takes you from the beginning history of the plane, with a special forward from Group Captain J.R. Goodman, DFC AFC, then through highly detailed and extremely accurate builds in many types and variants. The book’s projects are geared to the more intermediate skilled modeler, and also some advanced projects included, but modelers of all skill levels will learn from the tips, and techniques herein.

Beautiful color and black and white photography bring these subjects alive, as well as the step by step procedures discussed in depth will help to bring success in producing the variants of the Mosquito covered in these pages. The author, Roy Sutherland, has been a model maker for over 20 years now and his skills as a master airplane modeler are quite apparent in the quality of his finished subjects. His work has been seen in TV commercials, as well as major motion pictures such as Star Wars Episode II and Planet of the Apes.

CONTENTS

I. Foreword
II. Introduction
III. “Tamiya’s Mosquito B MK IV in the Box”
IV. “Building the Tamiya 1/48 Scale De Havilland Mosquito B MK IV”
V. “Converting Tamiya’s 1/72 Scale Mosquito FB MK VI to a NF MK XIII”
VI. “Converting Tamiya’s 1/48 Scale Mosquito B MK IV to a PR MK XVI”
VII. “Converting Tamiya’s 1/48 Scale Mosquito NF MK XIII to an NF MK XIX”
VIII. Photo Gallery
IX. Further Reading and Website Listings
X. Index and Color Reference Chart

FORMAT

9 ¾” X 7 ¼ “, Paperback
80 pp
Color Artwork, photographs, b/w photographs & diagrams throughout

WITHIN THE PAGES...

The book begins with a colorful forward by Captain JR Goodman of the RAF, who flew this plane from 1940 to the end of WWII, and beyond. A nice beginning, as he discusses a little about the general history of the Mosquito, as well as his personal history with the plane and his passion for the plane itself.

We then will move into the introduction of the manual, which is written and compiled by Chris Bucholtz, and this section contains a wealth of information regarding this plane, with many pages of very concise charts that list the multitude of Mosquito variants, aftermarket accessory sets available, and decal sets that are available to the modeler. Also, the history of the Mosquito’s reproduction in a plastic model kit is discussed in some detail here.

The manual then gets to work with the build projects that are presented, which first begins with building the 1/48 scale Tamiya De Havilland, and then escalates into converting this plane into three different variants in two separate scales. Each chapter is broken down into complete step-by-step instruction in both photo and text, clearly written and easy to understand construction.

Some of these variants photo’s are simply astounding, as the authors photography is very professional, as he incorporates real life backgrounds into his model pictures, which makes you swear that your looking at a true to life Mosquito.

Moving throughout the variants that are covered within the pages, the modeler will learn many tips & techniques that will help him on other model projects on his own. Extreme attention to detail is paid to each of the Mosquito variant projects, and the finished product is amazing.

The three separate variants that are covered in the book cover a wide spans of information and construction, and the third conversion I found particularly interesting as the author shows his method of simulating fire damaged paint, and does so quite convincingly! There’s also some really cool instruction for making your own custom decals in this chapter, as well.

If you’re still not convinced of this plane’s versatility and usage throughout the campaign, in the “gallery” section of the book you will find many pages of bright, colorful Mosquito’s…very nice, indeed.

There is a very good listing of further reading and study materials concerning the history and usage of the Mosquito, as well as a list of websites where you can research the plane further.

An eight color, color chart ends the book, with a detailed explanation regarding the use of the color pertaining to the airplane’s scheme.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this is another fine addition to Osprey Publications growing line of Modelling Manuals, and although a specializes manual in itself, I feel that any modeler of any skill level will benefit from it’s words and pictures, as the methods, tips, and techniques discussed will definitely help the hobbyist to make his subjects much more detailed and realistic. Definitely a good read, and very much recommended for your bookshelf.

A special thanks to Sheeba Madan, of Osprey Publishing, New York, for providing this great review sample.

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