The latest edition of Random Thoughts arrived on my doorstep and I immediately noticed some changes. First, is that there is a new cover design, on which there was the title that it was now a quarterly journal. Upon opening and reading the magazine, there were other changes as well. There is a new editor, Steve Sauvé, and inside the 36 pages was a considerable amount of additional color.

One thing that has not changed is a goodly number of interesting articles.

First were the results of the 2008 membership survey. Not surprisingly, most are men and most do not belong to a dedicated chapter. The majority are also aircraft modelers.  There is more, but that's the highlights. I imagine that IPMS/USA may well be similar, though perhaps with a greater percentage being members of local clubs.

Now, on to the articles.

First up, Garly Barling shows us how he reclaimed an Airfix 1/24 Spitfire I that had been started then put away for years.

Next was Gary Barling's superb Roden 1/32 Fokker Dr.I. Gary shows us how he was able to get his streaked camouflage painted. It is well worth the price of membership to learn that.

Randy Lutz then gives us all the details on NATO practice bombs.

There is a review on the modeling use of Gator Grip hobby glue that leaves one to believe that it isn't the cure-all everyone seems to think it is.

Steve Sauvé then provides an excellent article for markings fans on the late war British upper wing roundel.

Massimo Santarossa shows us his worn and weathered farm truck, and the final article is on Dennis Weber's build of the much maligned Hobbycraft 1/48 Do-17Z.

All of the articles are accompanied by several pages of large, well done photographs, making this a very nice edition.

If you aren't a member; join. You don't have to be Canadian, eh! You can get details via the IPMS Canada website.

February 2009

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