Valiant Wings' Airframe Extra series takes a different approach to titles that detail specific individual aircraft. Instead, the volumes take a particular conflict as the theme and present an interesting blend that includes an historical overview, colour profiles of aircraft involved, plus a selection of top-quality model builds. In this case it's the Falklands War that saw British and Argentine forces clash over the disputed islands in the South Atlantic.

Airframe Extra No.11 begins with a very clear and concise 22-page overview of the Falkland War by Patrick Branly. The author examines the historical background to the tensions between the UK and Argentina that resulted in full-scale invasion in the spring of 1982. The text is very readable, detailing key events in the timeline, along with the order of battle on each side and brief specifications of the aircraft and ships involved. There's a useful selection of period photos, and good use is made of maps to illustrate the course of the conflict.

The book includes 6 excellent builds by Libor Jekl and Steve Evans. Libor works in 1:72 for his trio, while Steve's are 1:48. The kits covered are:

Airfix A-4 Skyhawk - 1:72

Italeri Wessex HU.5 - 1:72

Modelsvit Mirage IIIEA - 1:72

Kinetic Mirage III/Dagger - 1:48

Kinetic FMA Pucara - 1:48

Tamiya Sea Harrier FRS.1 - 1:48

It's always inspiring to see Libor and Steve's work and both are on top form here. Apart from Libor's Mirage (shown as the finished model), all the builds are covered in detail with excellent photos of each major stage, and descriptions of modifications and upgrades included. The choice of subjects is very good, offering plenty of variety and something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Bridging the historical and modelling focus are 17 pages of excellent colour profiles by Richard Caruana. All the classic aircraft of both sides are present, so there's masses of inspiration for builds - and I have to say that, in purely modelling terms, some of the Argentine types have the edge for me with their striking camouflage and markings.

Conclusion

Airframe Extra No.11 does a fine job with its objective treatment of a conflict that's burned deep into the recent memory of the UK and Argentina. The format is very successful in my opinion, offering a readily accessible mix of historical material and modelling chapters. The selection of models here is well balanced with some interesting builds of aircraft that don't always get the attention they deserve, while the colour profiles should certainly whet appetites for some great themed individual or group builds.

Airframe Extra No.11 is available now from Valiant Wings - Price: £14.95

Many thanks to Valiant Wings for the review sample.

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