Andy Taylor
Reviews By Author
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A-10C Heritage HawgsPublished:
Twobobs Aviation Graphics are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and keep producing outstanding decal sheets for modern military jet aircraft. A-10C Heritage Hawgs (48-275) celebrates three A-10s promoting heritage and morale. Twobobs chose A-10s from the active, reserve and National Guard squadrons:
There is one decal… more |
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Armed Forces of the English-Speaking CaribbeanPublished:
Armed Forces of the English-Speaking Caribbean: The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago is authored by Dr. Sanjay Badri-Maharaj, who received his MA and PhD from the Department of War Studies, Kings College London (his thesis was on India’s nuclear weapons program). Dr. Sanjay Badri-Maharaj has written two books - The Armageddon Factor: Nuclear Weapons in the India-Pakistan Context (2000) and Indian Nuclear Strategy: Confronting the Potential Nuclear Threat from both Pakistan and China (2018). What makes him qualified to write a book of this title? He also served as a consultant to the Trinidad Ministry of National Security. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a diverse region of islands and mainland states with an even more diverse mix of former and… more |
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The Erawan War, Volume 2: The CIA Paramilitary Campaign in Laos, 1969-1974Published:
This is the second of a three-book series on the Erawan War, which was the CIA paramilitary campaign in Laos during the larger, covert war in Vietnam from 1961-1974. Volume 1 covers the period from 1961 to 1968 and was reviewed by fellow IMPS/USA Review Corps member David Horn on 5 February 2022. Volume 2 is this review, and Volume 3 covers the Royal Lao Forces, 1961-1974. Author Ken Conboy is a prolific writer of American involvement in Asian wars – both covert and overt. He is a former deputy director of Washington DC think tank, Asian Studies Center, where he focused on South and Southeast Asia. Ken has written nearly 20 books about Asian military history and intelligence operations. He is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and of Johns Hopkins’… more |
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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 |