Which British modelling magazine is the best?

[overscan]

To forum members in Old Blighty:

(My final question - promise!) Concerning Scale Aircraft Modeling, Scale Aviation Modeler, and Model Airplane International, which magazine do you think has the highest circulation and would be most likely to review a monograph on (an) esoteric aircraft project(s)?  I've ruled out Aeroplane Monthly and other high circulation general history mags, as I don't think they'd review such material, though I may be wrong.  Any input is appreciated!

R\Jared Zichek

Message was posted on Secret Projects but I guess you guys are better for this question.

[Martin H]

now wheres the can of worms smiley when u need it lol

[overscan]

I was going to say SAMI. But then as I never buy modelling mags my opinion is worth less than Iceland right now.

[dogsbody]

I get all of them, and a few more besides. I don't have a favorite, they all have good and bad points.

[Thorvic]

Possibly Model Aircraft Monthly as neil Robinson has done issues on the TSR2 and is supposed to be covering some of Jennings work. Alternately Scale Aircraft modelling might, although with Mike McEvoy retiring i'm not sure who would review it.

G

[Mossie]

As far as non-modelling mags go, I wouldn't rule out Aeroplane Monthly.  In fact I think they're quite likely to carry an article on aircraft projects.  They've recently had articles covering projects, including the Vickers VC.7/V.1000 & early Vulcan layouts.  They sometimes cover R&D of when profiling an aircraft too.  There was also an article recently on a collection of drawings that were made by an an ex-engineer (can't remember his name off the top of my head) of all the aircraft designs he had worked on, all done from memory during his retirement!  They seem to consider R&D a valuable part of the historical record.

They quite happily cover some of the lower profile & less glamorous aircraft too, their most recent issue carries a profile of the Twin Pioneer.  They seem to cover mostly British subjects, so if the article is about a British manufacturer, it's much more likely to get the go ahead.  Another thing is they are a more 'historical' magazine, so it's more likely to be covered if the projects are pre-1970's, the 'glory days' of British aviation seem to be their thing.

I think the only way a modelling magazine might run a project article is if there are kits available that might rouse enough interest, the TSR.2 being a point in case.  The F-107 might be a possibility given that Trumpeter have recentley released a kit.

[Howard of Effingham]

i usually buy SAM and SAMI most months.

they are about as good as each other.

combat aircraft and flight are the real world aviation rags i buy.

and mossie is right, where's the can of worms smiley when you need it? its a very
individual thing buying a magazine.

btw, is anyone nostaglic for the monochrome [or is it tone] black aircraft profiles
that SAM used before they went all color?

[Green Dragon]

It realy depends on what the subject is. Aircraft Illustrated do articles on black projects now and then. One of the model mags did several issues with profiles of aircraft from comic strips a few years ago and, as stated already, Aeroplane occasionally does project articles.
Combat Aircraft seem to go for articles on modern stuff but they also have a few pages on historical stuff.
Avation news did some of the Tony Buttler Secret Projects bits a while ago.

Paul Harrison

[Mossie]

I seem to remember that Air Forces Monthly used to do articles on black projects too, it's a while since I got it though.  They ran two special 'X-Planes' publications but this is going back some years.  I guess the moral of the story is that most of major publications will run such articles on occasion, so it's worth asking them the question at least.

[Radish]

Model Aircraft Monthly.
End of

[Geoff]

MAM

[Martin H]

whereas SAM is a pale shadow of it's former self and featuring far too many dildos with wings. 

Now theres a real show stopping idea for a whiff.  Would get us banned from any show we tried to display it at thou LOL.

[lancer]

whereas SAM is a pale shadow of it's former self and featuring far too many dildos with wings. 

Now theres a real show stopping idea for a whiff.  Would get us banned from any show we tried to display it at thou LOL.

Surely if it was tastefully marked up it would be acceptable...I was thinking that one of the virgin schemes might go down well....

[philp]

I double dog dare you... and I want pics when you do

The British rags are fairly costly this side of the pond but I still manage to check out the usual suspects and make a purchase if there is something of interest.  My biggest complaint with all model mags is the grammar and spelling errors.  All of them seem to have their share, some months are worse than others.  I think the editors rely too much on the spell checker and don't actually read the articles.  Keep thinking I should offer my services as a proof reader.

[Dork the kit slayer]

I was going to say SAMI. But then as I never buy modelling mags my opinion is worth less than Iceland right now.

.....and their sausage rolls are crap as well..................and dont get me started on the Scotch eggs.