Paul Mahoney
Reviews By Author
|
Ju-87B-2 Stuka DecalsPublished:
Eagle Editions’ newest release in their EagleCals line covers 2 Junkers Ju-87B-2 Stukas. 1 decal sheet measuring approximately 5 ¼” x 7 ¾” is included, along with a 5 ½” x 8 ½” folded instruction sheet that opens out to 4 times its size. One of the two subjects is the famous “snake” Stuka flown in North Africa by 5./St.G. 2 in 1941, while the other is of an interesting winter-camouflaged Stuka from an unknown unit in Russia that carries a face within its white camouflage. Side profiles of both aircraft are included in the instructions – these are produced in full color, and the artwork is done by noted artist Thomas A. Tullis. In fact, according to Eagle Editions’ web site, Tom creates the profiles as well as the decal artwork for all this company’s decal sheets. … more |
|
Japanese Aircraft in Foreign Service, Volume 1Published:
This is the first of a three-volume set being published by Kecam. This first volume covers Japanese aircraft operated by Japan’s allies during World War 2, as well as those captured by opposing forces (other than the US, UK, and Commonwealth countries), and those pressed into service by various countries in the immediate post-war period. The book is in a softcover format, with thick stock covers and pages finished in a high-quality satin finish. Black and white photos, as well as extremely well-done color profiles, appear on almost every one of the 128 pages. There are even a few rare color photos in some sections. The authors dive right in to the topic, with the inside front cover having a table of all Japanese aircraft operated by the subject countries. Aircraft… more |
|
Albatros D.III/V Decals Part 2Published:
One of the newest decal sheets to be produced by the Japanese company Lifelike is #48-040, covering one Albatros D.III and three Albatros D.Vs in 1/48 scale. Four aircraft are covered in this sheet:
Included is one full sheet of decals measuring 8 ¼” x 5 ¼”, an additional sheet measuring 4 ½” x 5 ½”, and a small correction sheet that replaces the two flag decals for aircraft #3. The main sheet includes the full pattern of blue checkers for the rear of aircraft #1, as well as several varieties of… more |
|
B-26 Marauder Walk AroundPublished:
The B-26 Marauder is the subject of the latest volume in Squadron's "Walk Around" series. As with other titles in this series, this softcover book is in a ‘landscape' portrait, and features loads of detail photos of all aspects of the B-26. There is a one-page brief history of the aircraft, followed by about 80 pages of detail photos. Almost all the photos are in color, of museum aircraft, and are at least ¼ page in size (many are full page). Detailed captions accompany each photo. In order, the models of B-26 covered are:
|
|
Luftwaffe Emblems 1939-1945Published:
This is a revised and updated reprint of a title by the same author, published in 1999 by Hikoki. A quick internet search revealed that copy to have only 99 pages, as compared to the 192 in this edition, so this is quite an update! The production quality on this book is first rate. Thick, matte-finished pages are enclosed in even stiffer color covers. The first 15 or so pages describe the background and possible rationale for the proliferation of unit emblems in the Luftwaffe. After this, the next 175+ pages are devoted to lists of each and every unit that used some form of an emblem on its aircraft. Sections are broken down by aircraft type, such as fighter units, bomber units, etc. Units within each section are listed in numerical order (JG 1, JG2, etc), and a… more |
|
Early Dutch Insignia and Serials DecalsPublished:
This 1/72 set from Dutch Decals comprises 2 sheets of silkscreen decals and a folded instruction sheet covering aircraft using the early Dutch insignia. Each decal sheet measures a little less than 6”x8 1/2”. The first sheet has letters, numbers (in a unique font) in both black and white, as well as serial numbers, data plates, and some rooster decals for use on both camouflaged and silver-doped aircraft. The second is entirely covered with the orange ‘meatball’ insignia of the early Dutch Air Force. Different sized roundels are provided, both with and without a white surround. The instruction sheet is almost a little booklet. Similar to the decal sheets, it measures approximately 6” x 8 ½”, but unfolds to 12” x 16”. The paper is of medium thickness, and has a semi-… more |
|
North American A-36A ApachePublished:
The latest issue in MMP’s ever-expanding “Yellow” series is specifically dedicated to the North American A-36A Apache. The first 47 (out of 128) pages of this book are a mixture of text and photos describing the development and combat experiences of the A-36. The first few chapters cover the design and development of the A-36. The following chapters are each dedicated to an individual combat theater in which the “Apache” was deployed. Usage in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and the Far East are covered. 2 pages are specifically dedicated to a history of the only A-36 ace, Captain Michael Russo. After this, there is a brief discussion of the British evaluation (and subsequent rejection) of the aircraft. The final portion of this section is a technical description of the A-36A-1-NA… more |
|
B-29 Superfortress Combat ChroniclesPublished:
This is the first of Squadron’s “Combat Chronicles” series I have had a chance to read and review. The format is a little different than most other publications from this publisher, in that it is focused specifically on the combat operations of a particular unit operating the title aircraft. This volume focuses on the training and combat operations of the 40th Bomb Group/58th Bomb Wing operating the B-29 during WW2. The author is a veteran of this unit, and narrates his experiences starting with early Stateside training. He then progresses through early combat operations flying from India, over “The Hump”, to stage out of forward bases in China. Next, he describes the Group’s relocation to the Marianas and the final phases of the bombing campaign against… more |
|
P-47 Thunderbolt Units of the Twelfth Air ForcePublished:
Osprey’s newest volume in their “Combat Aircraft” series, Number 92, covers P-47s of the Twelfth Air Force. The book is in the standard Osprey format – softcover, chronological text (with lots of accompanying photos), and several pages of nicely done color profiles. This is not a topic that has had extensive coverage, so I was very much looking forward to reading and reviewing this book. The 12th AF had been using P-40s and A-36s for various ground support and bomber escort missions early on in the US involvement in WW2, serving in the Mediterranean theatre. By 1943, the 15th AF was formed and tasked with strategic bombing missions in the area, leaving the 12th AF primarily as a tactical, ground support force. P-40s and A-36s were traded in for P-47s. The P-40s were too… more |
|
Consolidated Mess – Nose-turreted B-24 Production VariantsPublished:
This is probably one of the best, and most descriptive, titles for a modeling/aircraft reference book I have seen. To quote the author: “The B-24 went through more turret changes than any American combat aircraft before or since.” This books attempts (quite successfully) to guide the reader through these various changes on all of the turret-nosed B-24 models. There was an absolutely dizzying combination of nose turrets, tail turrets, waist guns, belly turrets and guns, and other modifications/design changes made to the B-24. The book goes into great detail of each step in the process, and the author makes every attempt to explain the differences clearly for each new piece of this puzzle. Crystal-clear photos (unless the only one available is less than clear), many previously… more |