Osprey Modeling Manual #12 Postwar aircraft review by Aaron Pfau

These days it can be hard to justify buying a book about scale modeling. With all the great model sites out there like ARC and Hyperscale offering great content for free, one might ask what the point would be to spend extra cash on a "how-to" modeling book. Especially when that money could be spent on another kit or an aftermarket resin or photo-etch set. Well, my answer is simple, you just can’t bring your computer into the bathroom with you. And I’m sure I’m not the only one out there who does my best reading in the bathroom.

"Postwar Aircraft" by Rodrigo Hernandez Cabos is the 12^th book in the Osprey Modeling Manuals Series. The book features the construction breakdown for 9 aircraft of scales from 1/72 to 1/32 including 8 modern jets and 1 helicopter. All photographs are in full color and are nicely done with detailed close-ups and crisp, clear printing. Also included are reference photos of the real aircraft and color illustrations and tables. Painting & weathering are such integral steps in the modeling process that full color photos are really a "must-have" for a serious how-to book.

Aimed slightly towards more experienced modelers, "Postwar Aircraft" delves into the process of modeling modern aircraft with an emphasis on detailing and finishing. The book feels like a follow up to their "Advanced Aviation Modeling" title in the same series, and includes finishing of the incredibly detailed 1/32 Revell Mig-29 featured in that book. The models, built by 4 different modelers, are nicely done and each has his own distinct style. The text breaks down the construction and methods each modeler used and the brands of paint and products utilized for each kit. Some kits are built "out of box" and others use aftermarket or scratch-built details. In some instances, they supply lists of all the manufacturers who offer a kit of the given subject. Additionally, the book offers a short description and history of each aircraft.

For anyone who likes modeling modern aircraft, and feels like they have a good handle on the basics of scale modeling, I would highly recommend this publication. There are many useful tricks and techniques featured which I haven’t seen elsewhere. The materials, tools, and supplies used are easily found in local hobby shops or through the internet, and the techniques used are up to date with the latest trends in scale modeling. The brilliant photos and captions are the highlight of the book and make for enjoyable and quick reading. In short, any serious modeler should have this book in their bathroom ready and waiting for that quick, or um, not so quick reading session…

Aircraft Featured:

Su-25 Sukhoi, 1/48, Oez

F-14 Tomcat, 1/72, Hasegawa

Ka-50 Hokum, 1/72, Italeri

F-18C Hornet, 1/48, Hasegawa

Mig-29 Fulcrum, 1/32, Revell

AV-8B Harrier, 1/48, Monogram

Tornado F Mk 3, 1/72, Italeri

SU-27 Flanker, 1/48, Academy

SU-24 Fencer, 1/48, Dragon