Veloce Publishing has issued a number of books in their SpeedPro Series that illustrates practical automotive performance tips and advice. This softcover book conations 96 pages of honest and engaging information on “How to Build a Successful Low-Cost Rally Car.”

It is first and foremost a primer that shows you how to enter the field of long-distance endurance racing on a budget but it also has information and close-up photos of the kinds of modifications that can be used to recreate an authentic replica of those spartan race cars in scale.

The book is British-centric and many of the automotive terms like bonnet and windscreen (just as the races are) are prevalent but are easily understood from context so it’s still a pretty easy read.

History

The Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle (16式機動戦闘車Hitoroku-shiki kidou-sentou-sha) is a wheeled tank destroyer of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle (MCV) equips designated combat units. Due to its light weight and small size, it is designed for easy deployment (by aircraft if needed) allowing rapid movement on narrow roads and in built-up areas in response to various contingencies. Despite its small size and light armor, it can successfully attack much larger armored fighting vehicles as well as personnel, using its large caliber gun.

Kit

The kit is produced by Tamiya, a well-known company who is known for producing quality midrange priced model kits. The box artwork is outstanding and shows the Type 16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle traversing open ground. This kit belongs to Tamiya’s 1/48 Military Miniature Series.

Steam Traction on the Road is a historical description of the development of steam power and the engineers and manufacturers that created steam vehicles. The book includes a nice description of the people that designed steam vehicles in addition to the steam engines themselves. The book’s focus is on steam engines in England, but also includes some mentions of steam vehicles in America and other countries.