Continuing with their excellent Osprey Modelling Series is edition #39 on the popular F4F Wildcat. It is one of those modelling subjects that seems to stay popular over the years. Rarely do I visit a contest or show and not see one of these aircraft on the display tables.

The author has taken a somewhat different approach to this edition. Not to say that the usual is not there, but he has added some things that many may well find of value. More about that as we get to it.

The book opens with an introduction to the aircraft and a brief history. This includes a chart that delineates the differences between variants. Then there are six pages of photos of an FM-2 and F4F-4 that have been preserved.

The meat of the book are four articles; one 1/72 build and three 1/48, the latter using the Tamiya kit. As is now the norm for these books, all builds use a plethora of aftermarket as well as scratch-building to some level in order to obtain the results.

First up is a Martlet III using the Hasegawa 1/72 kit and listed as Intermediate for skill level.

Next is an F4F-3 conversion that is listed as for the advanced builder.

This is followed by a kit-bash using the Tamiya F4F-4 and Sword FM-2 to build an FM-2. This is also listed as advanced.

Finally an F4F-3S 'Wildcatfish' conversion to put the aircraft on floats. This is listed as master.

What follows these articles are several mini-articles on things that can be used on any model. These include removing panels and doors, filling seams, using Mr. Surfacer, rescribing and removing scratches from clear bits. While many would have hoped for perhaps a 1/32 Wildcat build, these are all useful techniques.

It is followed by the usual listing of currently available kits and accessories as well as a listing of museums and further reading.

Overall, a well done book and a fine addition to the Osprey Modelling library.

October 2007

For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.