The latest issue of Dan Jones's PSM follows his established mix of news, product reviews, modelling articles and research/reference articles. Normally I am not a fan of news/product reviews in magazines, mainly because the commentary is usually a tad superficial and the information has a limited 'shelf life'. However, PSM is a bit different, mainly because Dan knows his stuff, has the nous to tell you when he doesn't and there really is no other reliable and current source for information so thoroughly focussed on ship modeling. Reason enough to include this material and for me at least to read it avidly.

John Lambert's second part of his article on HMS Kittiwake anchors this issue. As you would expect from a draftsman of his stature the drawings are exemplary and show the vessel in it's 1937, '41 and '42 configurations. The photos accompany the text have suffered a little in digitising, which is unfortunate as they are useful views. Other photos are fine so hopefully this is a one off problem associated with the change of printer that occurred with this issue.

There are five shorter 'research' articles (Flottentorpedobootes, City of Panama, Atlanta and Boston, Junks and a photo spread on Baltimore and Coral Sea) and three model based articles (1969 China Station diorama, 1941 Alexandria diorama and one on Tamiya's USS Fletcher) rounding out the contents. The Junk article is welcome, as PSM tends to stick to powered craft and military powered craft at that. All are useful if you want reference for the particular subject…and interesting enough to be worth reading even if you are not.

The advent of colour covers added significantly to the value of PSM and Dan makes the most of them. I am guessing that he gets some dodgy pics from the various authors but still manages to select and present acceptable images. In keeping with the focus of the magazine on ship modelling the title page is very much 'plain vanilla' so don't expect any flash graphics. Paper quality is good with semi-gloss stock through out, slightly thicker on the covers. Think APMA journal with better production values and you will get the picture.

All in all PSM is a great example of what can be done with dedication and enthusiasm. Dan continues to build and improve on the content and format of the mag and seems to have a clear view of it's future. I encourage anyone who has even a passing interest in ship modeling to get a subscription and help him keep up the good work.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Review copy supplied by SANDLE Hobbies