Showcasing some of the most recognized and dynamic examples of aviation art ever produced, the paintings here appeared on model airplane kit boxes. Generations of hobbyists have enjoyed these colorful and inspiring paintings that graced model packaging in hobby shops. More than 170 of the most memorable examples are displayed in full color. They chronicle aviation history from the Wright Brothers' Kitty Hawk Flier to the Apollo Lunar Module, including many of the best-known aircraft in aviation history. Among the many artists whose works are portrayed are Tom Morgan, John Steel, Jack Leynnwood, Lorenzo Ghiglieri, Jim Cox, John Amendola, Ray Gaedke, Jo Kotula, and Dick Locher. In the well-researched text, these artists tell personal stories behind their art in their own words. This book will be treasured by aviation enthusiasts, model builders, and everyone who has fond memories of their model building days.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat disappointing,
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This review is from: Box Top Air Power: The Aviation Art of Model Airplane Boxes (Paperback)
I just recieved the book this morning and while I love the author's previous books this one was a let down. Most of the illustrations in the book are only third of the size on the page. The rest of the page is filled with the history of the plane. There is a fair amount of detail written about the artist on nearly each of the paintings. It would have been nicer to have the illustrations much larger in size. The artwork is stunning but many of the details of the paintings are lost due the layout of the book.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Box Top Air Power,
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This review is from: Box Top Air Power: The Aviation Art of Model Airplane Boxes (Paperback)
Thomas Graham is famous for writing books about plastic model kits of yesteryear. His books "Remembering Revell Model Kits", "Monogram Models", and "Greenberg's Guide to Aurora Model Kits" (not to mention the revised and expanded version of this book, entitled simply "Aurora Model Kits") are works of art which concentrate on the model kits themselves. Almost everything that you would want to know, and more, about the kits from these companies, as well as short histories of the companies themselves, are contained in these books. I recommend all four.
This book concentrates on the box art of these old and faithful model kits. Well, not so much on the art, per se, but on the artists who created these box top masterpieces. You will find work by Tom Morgan, Jack Leynnwood, Mike Machat, Don Greer, Richard Kishady, Jo Kotula, Dennis Davison and many more in the 176 pages of this soft cover book. Most of these pieces of art are consigned to their own full page, with a text underneath explaining a little bit about the actual aircraft itself and a little bit about the artist who drew it. Those of you who might have read similar box top art articles in magazines such as "Wings" and "Airpower" over the years know of what I speak. However, every now and then a valuable piece of trivia raises its head from the text, giving us insight about the machine or the artist who painted its picture. One of these interesting little tidbits that Mr. Graham gives us is: "The Boeing B-52 wasn't exactly born in a hobby shop, but a hobby shop played a role in the story of the inception of the Stratofortress...In October 1948, when Boeing's engineers showed up at Wright Field, Ohio, to present its (propeller-driven) bomber plans to the Air Force, they were told that the Air Force now wanted an all-jet aircraft. Astounded...(they) retired to their hotel and drafted plans for the B-52 in three days -- and also constructed a balsa-wood display model of the plane from materials purchased at a local hobby shop." The concept of this book is great, and I find it interesting reading, but the choice of box art is somewhat limited. Perhaps this is merely a personal view, since I was disappointed that many of my favorite box art paintings were not chosen for inclusion. The information about the artists is, however, first rate. Who knew, for instance, that Richard Kishady was an Fw190 pilot for the Hungarian Air Force during the closing days of WWII and was shot down by a Soviet Yak fighter while escorting Hungarian Ju87s on a bombing raid? And who knew that John Steel served in the Marines in the South Pacific during WWII, went to art school after the war, then re-upped for the Korean War where he was a survivor of the Marines' retreat from the Chosin Reservoir? It's information such as this that make this book not only a visual wonder, but good reading, as well. While not the work of art (no pun intended) that Mr. Graham's other books are, this book is still very much a valued part of my modeling library. I recommend it for anyone who wants to recall the good old days of plastic modeling when box art pumped up the the adrenaline level of us kids about the contents inside, and it literally sold the kit on its own merit.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reliving Our Youth,
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This review is from: Box Top Air Power: The Aviation Art of Model Airplane Boxes (Paperback)
Those who grew up in the 50s witnessed the transformation of the model kit industry from wood kits requiring the skills of a craftsman to the plastic models of today that just about any kid could put together. The art that graced the boxes of those kits evolved along with the industry. Plastic kits revolutionized not only the industry but the manner in which they were marketed. Plain boxes and simple line drawings that characterized most wood kits gave way to spectacular, breathtaking works of art that shouted "BUY ME!" And how we did. Tom Graham has captured the golden era of model kit box art and done a great service to those talented artists that set a standard that most modern era box artists don't bother to attempt. This is an extraordinary accomplishment since many of these artists have passed away and their individual works have become lost to time. Beautiful art, effective presentation, historical background, views of the artists, it's all there. Tom Graham has saved a segment of American history and portions of a forgotten youth. An absolute must for any aviation library.
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