This is the second book in Valiant Wings' new series entitled 'Airframe Constructor'. This book covers the building of a single kit, and in this case, it is another Zoukei-Mura kit, the 1/32 He-219 'Uhu'. I find it interesting that these sorts of books are being produced. Ten years ago, we could find little in the way of 'how to' books and now the genre has not only grown, but has become more specific. In tune with the previous book, it is not the only new 1/32 He-219, but seems to be the favorite when compared to the Revell version. Perhaps it is because this kit is the A-0 variant and the Revell the A-5, which had quite a few differences.

This book is in full color and printed on high quality paper. It opens straight into the building of the kit. Valiant Wings already has a superb history book on the type so there is no real need to repeat something already in the catalogue. The initial part of the book is a pretty standard kit review that describes what you get in the box and then what the modeler did to it while building it. In this case, the kit is not straight out of the box, but what was done was well within the capabilities of most modelers if they wish to put forth the effort. It requires little more than attention to detail and careful painting and weathering.

I know that makes it sound simple, but when you start reading the book, you will see that it is more than simple. The results obtained by the author are far beyond what I could do, but he makes it all seem simple. This is because the book goes into detail on what the modeler did while building this kit. It includes step by step painting and weathering techniques regarding specific areas of the model. Some scratchbuilding and modifying was done to provide the result you see on the cover and all of that is included. The photos and discussion of each area are done in such a way that you can see the progression from initial painting to the end result. This makes it easier for the reader to try to duplicate the author's efforts, something that I find quite helpful.

Once the build is done, there are several pages of the completed model. Typical of what passes for today's expected standard, the kit has been given the 'Spanish School' of weathering using various methods, all of which are carefully explained and demonstrated in photos. Unlike the previous book, just about all in this one is about the kit. No mass of color profiles or use by other nations. Towards the end is a page of all available 1/32 decals and books on the subject. The last page is sort of an advert for all of the optional bits and pieces offered by Zoukei-Mura.

In all, it is a great book that in some ways, offers more that is on subject than the initial offering. Even if you don't buy the kit, will provide techniques that can be used on pretty much any aircraft model. Well worth picking up and highly recommended for those building this kit.

February 2014

For more on Valiant Wings, including getting this book, visit www.valiant-wings.co.uk. Thank you for the review copy.

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