For several decades, I have been buying Detail & Scale (D&S) books for my library each time they covered a subject with a shark mouth scheme. Bert Kinzey became a search criterion in the book stores to find excellent references and I looked forward to Dana Bell’s drafting skills. Best of all, there was always a modeler’s section with a mini-review discussing what I truly cared about; detail!
Fast forward to modern times and the D&S team has a new (to me) member; Rock Roszak. Also, digital versions of the books are available. The only downside is not having the capability to print the pages I needed (the scale plans). This was offset by having a larger photo count and the ability to zoom into details of said images. Last, the updates would be included.
This is their second update their F-100 volume and it is indeed worth getting if you, like me, have the older issue on the shelf.
The table of contents displays how in-depth the coverage is, including prototypes, and real-life experiences from a pilot.
Two hundred thirty images (only forty in gray tone) are found within the one hundred four pages of this perfect-bound softcover book. Personally, I don’t like the semi-matte paper used on this print-on-demand version but the color and registration of the images are of a high standard. As expected the captions are concise and accurate. Aside from the aforementioned draftsman, Dana Bell, Terry Smith also contributed a set of plans. He has markings on them and the line weight is consistent throughout so I prefer Dana’s work.
The text is in detail, very easy to read, and the pilot stories insightful and entertaining.
I do like the marked-up photos showing details of a particular variant. Foreign operators are covered and it is in the French section where a shark mouth scheme appears.
Of course, the walk around sets is a must for a true rivet counting modeler like me!
Ordnance is not forgotten…
The modeler’s section is current as of July 2020, and covers available kits in the most popular scale; 1/144/, 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32. Mention is made on earlier kits and is based on the previous edition’s entries.
I am truly glad to have this print copy but will consider getting the digital one as well as it will include updates, ten more photographs, and the ability to zoom into images.
More information on the book, including how to order it, is available directly from Detail & Scale. My thanks to the Detail & Scale team of Bert Kinzey and Rock Roszak for publishing this excellent new edition!
