Andy Taylor
Reviews By Author
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Panavia Tornado IDS & ECR Modelers Reference GuidePublished:
From the Phoenix Scale Publications website, “Phoenix Scale Publications is a partnership of four people who have worked in the modelling and aviation press for many years and have come together to produce two brand-new, high-quality modelling titles and a new book series – for modellers, by modellers – with each partner bringing their own unique talents.” This Air Profile Book is authored by Andy Evans, who, during his 40-year career has been involved with five aviation and modelling magazines, as well as an author to more articles. His accomplishments include over 60 aviation and modelling books to his name. This is not Andy Evans’ first book on the photogenic, twin engine, two seat, swing wing Panavia Tornado. With his extensive background, when Andy wants to… more |
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NATO Colors Smart Set Acrylic PaintsPublished:
A new release from prolific AMMO by Mig Jimenez, is this three-color acrylic paint set labeled for the three tone NATO camouflage. The paint comes in 17ml plastic bottles, complete with a stirring ball, in a clear plastic clamshell box. While the paints can be procured individually, the three major colors are included (and most likely cheaper than buying them individually). The following paints are included:
I am a fan of AMMO acrylic paints and am very impressed with this paint set. While advanced modelers and painters can mix their own colors, basic modelers like myself prefer the easy off-the-shelf solution provided in this set. With the plethora of NATO vehicles wearing… more |
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MV-22 Osprey Landing Gear (Hobby Boss Kit)Published:
Model aircraft displayed wheels down are susceptible to damage from the weight of the model on the plastic landing gear. There have been many after market solutions and among the leaders is Scale Aircraft Conversions from Royse City, Texas, who have been answering modelers’ prayers since 1990. Their white metal landing gear is designed to bear the weight of the model and complement the detailed non-load bearing plastic parts. Their extensive range covers white metal landing gear from 1/144 to 1/18 scale aircraft. The V-22 Osprey first took flight in 1999 and there are currently 400 Osprey aircraft in service. Models of the V-22 Osprey are represented in various scales, with this white metal landing gear set in 1/48 scale. This set is manufactured for the Hobby Boss kit (No.… more |
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German Modern Luftwaffe/Marine Fighter PilotPublished:
For some reason, model manufacturers have been omitting pilot figures from their kits. Many after market producers have stepped in to fill the pilot seat void. Czech model manufacturer Aerobonus has a new release in its 1/72 Modern German Luftwaffe/ Marine Fighter Pilot. Like most pilot figures being released recently, this figure is standing, but can easily be made to sit with some razor saw surgery. The post-World War II German Air Force had its creation on 24 September 1956 when its first ten pilots earned their wings. As technology progresses, so does the human element. I am certainly not an expert in German flight suits, but this pilot looks the part of a Luftwaffe or Marineflieger pilot. The provided color call out guide states that this figure could pilot German fighters… more |
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The War in the Channel Islands Then and NowPublished:
The Channel Islands are an archipelago in the English Channel off the western French coast of Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula, composed of two Crown Dependencies – the Bailiwicks of Jersey (the largest of the islands) and Guernsey, which consists of the islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and some smaller islands. Historically, they are considered remnants of the Duchy of Normandy, and administered separately since the late 13th century. The only territory of the British Isles to fall under German occupation in World War II, were the Channel Islands. The British government determined that the islands were indefensible, and the islands were ordered to demilitarize. While some 17,000 citizens were evacuated to mainland Britain, most had no choice and were thus subjected to… more |
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AH-1G Cobra "US Marines/Navy"Published:
The United States military in Vietnam quickly realized the need for attack helicopters to support both ground forces and cargo helicopters. The AH-1G was the first specifically designed attack helicopter (it was originally designated the UH-1H, but the “A” was added for the attack designation, but when the ubiquitous “Huey” Iroquois UH-1D became the UH-1H, the Huey Cobra became the AH-1G) and made its combat debut in August 1967 with the US Army. The US Marine Corps also saw a need for attack helicopters and 38 AH-1Gs were transferred from the Army in 1969 as an interim measure until the USMC’s requirement for twin-engine Cobras (AH-1J) were available. This kit has markings for three of these AH-1G Cobras (the fourth is for a US Navy Test Pilot School aircraft). This 1/… more |
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TankArt 3: Modern ArmorPublished:
TankArt 3 Modern Armor was first released in 2014 (T-62M1 on the cover). Is this book simply a republished book and is it worth buying this edition (AMX-30B on the cover)? If you already have this book, then this second edition is 64 pages longer (from 224 to 288 pages), added a Technique Proficiency chapter, expanded, and updated sections on hair spray chipping, oil paint rendering (OPR), and pigment applications. TankArt 3 Modern Armor is not only a “how-to”, but it is also a “why” on how to use the highly visual artistic approach to modeling. This book is magical in its sequence from good builds to the painting, to hyper detailing using modern and time-tested techniques. Where this book excels is the progression with each step, letting the modeler peek behind the magician’s… more |
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Moscow’s Game of Poker – Russian Military Intervention in Syria, 2015-2017Published:
Author Tom Cooper is an Austrian aerial warfare analyst and historian. What makes him qualified to author a book on a very non-linear and confusing chapter of history is the vast network of contacts he garnered throughout his time in the Middle East and Africa. He has authored/co-authored about 60 books, over 1,000 articles, and the Helion Series Editor for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and Technology at War. When someone with Tom’s credentials writes a book about a topic that you’re interested in reading, you pick up the book and prepare to be educated. He is also the talented artist for the color profiles (pp i-xiv). Moscow’s Game of Poker – Russian Military Intervention in Syria, 2015-2017 is a revised edition (the original edition, Middle East @ War No.… more |
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Syrian Conflagration – The Syrian Civil War, 2011-2013Published:
Author Tom Cooper is an Austrian aerial warfare analyst and historian. What makes him qualified to author a book on a very non-linear and confusing chapter of history is the vast network of contacts he garnered throughout his time in the Middle East and Africa. He has authored/co-authored about 60 books, over 1,000 articles, and is the Helion Series Editor for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and Technology at War. When someone with Tom’s credentials writes a book about a topic that you’re interested in reading, you pick up the book and prepare to be educated. Syrian Conflagration – The Syrian Civil War, 2011-2013 is a revised edition (the original edition was published in January 2016; ISBN 9781910294109 and featured a T-62 tank and MiG 23 on its cover).… more |
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Red Army Weapons of the Second World WarPublished:
Red Army Weapons of the Second World War is a very well researched and written book that does a deep dive into the history of the Russian military’s ground forces weapons. This book is a departure from the usual Images of War format. Rather than a brief summary of the chapter to come with a dizzying number of great photographs, each of this book’s chapters opens with history, weapon type, development, etc, then follows with black and white photographs that are worth the price of the book alone. In the forward, US Army Tank-Automotive Command Historian (Retired) Randy Talbot writes, “During the First World War in an oft-told story, Russian infantrymen were on the line when an aeroplane flew overhead. They quickly fired upon the plane, shooting it down. There was no way… more |