This is the third issue of Kagero's new magazine, Supermodel International. Unlike their previous issues, this one concentrates on single engine WWII fighters. The magazine contains three articles, each with superbly done and large photographs plus a description from the author on everything that was done to the model.

This includes things like modifications, aftermarket, how it was painted, how it was weathered and so on. In short, everything that went into making the presentation you see on the pages. I cannot emphasize enough now nicely done and how large many of the photographs are as they really showcase the work that went into it.

There are three articles, all of them WWII fighters. One is in 1/48 scale and the others are 1/32 scale. All of them are weathered and if you like the Spanish school of weathering, you'll like these.

First is Tomasz Chacewicz's Tamiya 1/48 Dewoitine 520 done in early Vichy markings. When it comes to some builds, the aftermarket he added was rather minimal, consisting of a Part photo etch set and Montex masks. The builder was not pleased with the thickness of the kit decals so chose a set of paint masks for the insignia and other markings. These are not a bad choice especially as it means one can weather the markings just as easily as the rest of the paint. As I mentioned, this is full Spanish school of weathering and markings with dark panel lines and more weathering than I think the plane actually was, but it puts forward the appropriate effect.

Pretty much the same sort of treatment was given to Michal Rosiak's 1/32 PCM Hurricane I. Michal was rather disappointed in the mediocre quality of the kit, but thanks to scratch-building and an effective paint scheme/weathering, managed to turn out a superb replica. I was pleased to see that he used no aftermarket on this one making what corrections and additions were needed with bits and pieces.

Finally, there is Tomek Wajnkaim's Hobby Boss 1/32 Spitfire V. Much fuss was made over the issues of this kit, but Tomek shows that if one just does a nice job building the kit, the sorts of complaints made about the kit do not have to get into the way of a stellar build. Tomek made his own masks for the markings and only used metal replacement gun barrels to do his very nicely done ASR Spitfire. His build also shows that you don't have to do Spanish school panel lines (he chose to use washes) to produce a quality model and to me, this is the best article in the magazine.

In all, it makes for an excellent offering for the aircraft modeler who likes to see how a subject progresses from start to finish. I should also mention that each article includes all the paints and materials used.

May 2013

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