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Book Author(s)
Tommy H. Thomason
Review Author
Steve Collins
Published on
Company
Crecy Publishing, Ltd.
MSRP
$44.95

It’s hard to think of an aircraft that has had a longer career than the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, frequently called the Scooter. That career started in 1954 (a very good year, by the way) and continues to this very day. The design was the result of Ed Heinemann’s efforts to give the Navy the attack aircraft it wanted while making it fit on any aircraft carrier the Navy used. The maximum unfolded wingspan the Navy stipulated for carrier aircraft, 27’ 6”, determined the span of the A-4. The ability to carry the then-current Mk. 7 nuclear weapon resulted in the stalky landing gear with which we’re all familiar. The product of Heinemann’s genius was a reliable aircraft that could carry a useful weight of weapons a considerable distance while being tough enough and maneuverable enough to bring the pilot home after delivery.

Book Author(s)
David Doyle
Review Author
Pablo Bauleo
Published on
Company
Squadron Signal Publications
MSRP
$18.95

The FT-17 and its American copy, the M1917, set the stage for the modern tank by having a revolving turret, a front driver, and a rear engine. It was used by armed forces of many different countries and it was still in service with some minor European armies at the outbreak of WWII.

The book is profusely illustrated with color photographs, although all the pictures are from restored units in museums. Four view line drawings provide details of both the M1917 and the FT-17.

The pictures correspond to over a dozen examples from different museums across the world and they are depicted in different camouflages and markings, providing ideas to modelers on how to finish their kits.

Modelers will find the line drawings very useful, while the all-around pictures provide great details for super detailing your model.

Book Author(s)
Adam Jonca
Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Stratus
MSRP
$21.60

This publication covers the development and acquisition of armored vehicles for the Polish army from 1919 until 1939. Each page has several period images of the miscellaneous vehicles. Included are color profiles along with some line drawings and one blueprint of a Polish tractor. Although the text is minimal, it is quite informative. One gets the sense of the lambs being lead to the slaughter inflicted by the much superior German armor in September, 1939.

Vehicles addressed include the Vickers 6 ton Mark E types A , B and E, the C6P and C6T Tractors, the C7P artillery, and recovery and combat engineering tractors. Granted, these vehicles are certainly not as well known at those of the major World War II powers, but are quite interesting in their design and performance, and provide some unique topics.

Book Author(s)
Gordon L. Rottman
Review Author
Jeff Leiby
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$17.95

Military Police units have the mission, among many others, to provide armed escort to supply convoys in a combat zone. During the Vietnam War there were never enough military police combat support units to accomplish this mission. Commanders of truck companies in the 8th Transportation Group began to arm and armor 2-1/2 ton and 5 ton cargo trucks to provide convoy security. The 8th Trans Group became the major user of gun trucks during the war.

This book, number 184 in the New Vanguard series published by Osprey Publishing, describes the development and employment of gun trucks during the last half of the Vietnam War. The first half of the volume describes the U.S. Army motor transport units deployed in South Vietnam, the Army convoy system itself, and the threat the convoys faced. The second half provides a good description of gun truck design and development and gun truck tactics.

Review Author
Rick Bellanger
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$55.00

I received this conversion set with great anticipation and look forward to installing it on my latest venture.

I have built quite a few Tamiya 1/32nd Phantom kits since its debut, a total of 77, to be exact. (I know this guy's lying…but it's true.) I used to build for a decal manufacturer that had over 100 decal sets for the F-4 and he wanted a model built for every one of them, all in 1/32nd. Well, he is out of business, so now I build for myself. I have used just about every aftermarket product out there for the F-4 and I'm always looking for something new. Eduard has come aboard with a very nice exhaust nozzle set.

Opening the package revealed some nice protective foam and each assembly was in its own plastic bag. No damage or lost parts. You get direct replacement parts for two engine intakes, discharges, tubes, and nozzles. Also included is a new arresting hook. All the parts are of a very high quality resin casting and photo etch.