SCALE MODEL AIRCRAFT, 1933.
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WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...
THIS original first edition copy from 1933 is a pioneering scale aircraft modelling book written and beautifully illustrated by a youthful J H Stevens, published by John Hamilton of London who produced scores of classic aviation books between the wars. This one helped establish the traditional 1:72 scale for model aircraft that soon became the standard adopted by manufacturers and many modellers from then on. This well-used copy of Scale Model Aircraft was latterly owned by Harry Woodman who tipped in a couple of obituaries that showed what a fascinating life the author led in aviation. The 100 page book is crammed with drawings, sketches and modelling know-how, expounding well-proven techniques for producing mostly wood replicas using other basic materials, prerequisites being patience, steady hands and an eye for detail. Our copy has seen better days, but this is more than offset by the nostalgic content presenting a peek into a modelling world predating the emergent plastic kit industry of the early 1950s.
THIS book was written and illustrated by 20- year-old James Hay Stevens and probably one of the very first serious attempts at a true-scale aircraft modelling book devoted to building accurate miniatures from scratch. The author was largely responsible for championing constant 1:72 scale which was contemporary Skybirds model kits made popular. Simply by halving the popular 1:36 scale favoured by Aeromodels, enthusiasts with limited shelf space could now accommodate larger collections as well as literally expanding their hobby to produce bigger subjects such as bombers and flying boats that could prove unwieldy in the larger size. This book takes the reader through creation of a solid wood model-a Hawker Hart-with straightforward methods peppered with his excellent drawings, for JHS was also a consummate aviation artist. This is followed by a selection of subjects from the rare Armstrong Whitworth XVI and Bristol Bulldog to the Roland D.II and 'Hannoverana'-all with 1:72 scale GAs accompanying specific modelling and painting notes. Sections on painting, photography and model airfields are also explored and there's a super colour frontispiece of a Hawker Hart in No.23 Squadron RAF wearing red and blue markings.The techniques are sound and the present day modeller can still learn a thing or two from Stevens' work-the book certainly inspired a young Harry Woodman from whom this copy comes. It has been well-thumbed, with fading of some pages and a loose spine that still clings tenaciously to the front cover. With 100 pages of invaluable technique and reference, this rare book is an absolute treasure trove and its nostalgia value is beyond measure...this rare book is an absolute treasure trove and its nostalgia value is beyond measure...this rare book is an absolute treasure trove and its nostalgia value is beyond measure...
