Bill O'Malley
Reviews By Author
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The Second World WarPublished:
This is an excellent, well-written, beautifully illustrated book that provides a comprehensive overview of the WWII conflict at both a global and personal level. The hardcover book includes both color and B&W photos, and color illustrations that give a concise, but thorough, understanding of the strategies and decisions of the combatant nations. Osprey’s Press release describes The Second World War as telling the stories of the men and women who lived and died during the second world war, from “politicians to factory workers, and from high command to the conscripted man on the front lines”. The experience of war is brought to life through a wealth of contemporary documentation, writings, and historical research while the political, military, and historical significance of… more |
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Doors SetPublished:
The Matho Models Doors Set includes one photoetch fret about 4 x 6“, with seven doors. The fret also includes some miscellaneous hardware including latches, escutcheon plates, door knockers, key holes, and two flower designs for one of the doors. The doors are all different wood door styles and several sizes as follows:
The door hardware is very small and difficult to work with. I couldn’t get the flower designs off the sprue without crumpling them. The door knockers are also very thin, and I… more |
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M54A2 5-Ton 6x6 Cargo TruckPublished:
BackgroundExcerpted from Wikipedia: The M54 5-ton 6×6 truck (G744) was the basic cargo model of the M39 Series truck. It was designed to transport a 10,000 lb., 14-foot long cargo load off-road in all weather. In on-road service, the load weight was doubled. The M54 was the primary heavy cargo truck of the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine forces during the Vietnam War and was also used by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and ARVN forces. The M54 truck was used as the base vehicle for Gun Trucks during the Vietnam War. Field-applied armor added protection to the Gun Trucks, and armament consisted of various combinations of weapons including M60s, .50-calibre machine guns, XM 134 miniguns, and anti-aircraft weapons such as the quad mount .50 cal. machine guns.… more |
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The "Einheits-Diesel" WW2 German TrucksPublished:
This photo album is packed with 120 photos and is part of MMP books Camera On series of photo books. Author Alan Ranger uses photos taken by regular German soldiers of vehicles both before and during the WW2. Ranger attempts to show a more personal view of the vehicles through the eyes of the soldiers that lived and worked with the Einheits Diesels. The photos are all in black and white and many have only recently become available. The photographs are in most cases clear, but many are low contrast, typical of personal photos of the time. In the Introduction Ranger provides a nice background on development of the Einheits Diesel, which developed from a vehicle standardization in 1933. The Einheits were produced by 9 different manufacturers, with most built by Bussing Nag, Vomag… more |
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Russian 9K37M1 BUKPublished:
BackgroundThe Buk missile system, Russian: "beech tree”, is a family of self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile systems developed by the Soviet Union and its successor, the Russian Federation. The Buk system is designed to counter cruise missiles, smart bombs, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Buk-M1-2 transporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicle uses the GM-569 chassis designed and produced by JSC MMZ (Mytishchi). TELAR superstructure is a turret containing the fire control radar at the front and a launcher with four ready-to-fire missiles on top. Each TELAR is operated by a crew of four and is equipped with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection. Meng KitThe kit futures… more |
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Her Majesty’s EstafettePublished:
This is a high-quality resin kit of a unique steampunk vehicle with figures. The part fit is exceptionally good, but there are some small & delicate parts to work with, and resin experience is important. Industria Mechanika is a low volume, high quality ‘garage’ kit company focusing on original concept designs of steampunk, airships, fantasy, fantastical figures, and other whimsical creations. Many of IM’s kits are original designs created by its owner and designer, Michael Fichtenmayer, or other designers. The kits are produced in resin of the highest quality, and many include photoetch, decals, and other accessories. Her Majesty’s Estafette is designed by Christohe Desse, who has designed several other kits for Industria Mechanika. Desse is a special effect artist… more |
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British Battle Tanks - American-Made World War II TanksPublished:
This book describes the design, development, and operational history of US-made tanks in British service in World War II. The British were initially reluctant to endorse the American-made tanks as they felt they were inferior to British developed tanks. The British eventually appreciated the simplicity of American designed tanks and modified them to meet British needs. The Lend Lease program allowed Britain to obtain American tanks in adequate numbers to take pressure off of the British manufacturers. By the end of World War II the British tank regiments were equipped with more Sherman tanks than any other type. Author David Fletcher MBE was born in 1942. He has written many books and articles on military subjects and until his retirement was the historian at the Tank Museum,… more |
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Ringtrichter Richtungshörer Horchgerät (German WWII Acoustic Monitor Tool)Published:
Background information from Wikipedia:
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The Forgotten DeadPublished:
This book describes Exercise Tiger, the rehearsal for the American D-Day landings on Utah Beach in Normandy. The training exercise occurred on the Devon and Dorset coasts of England around the village of Slapton Sands on April 27, 1944. Almost 1000 American soldiers and sailors died during the exercise, which was later covered up by officials embarrassed by the fiasco. This book describes the effort of author Ken Small to uncover the truth about the deaths of the soldiers and sailors and to ensure their sacrifice would never be forgotten. First published in 1988, the book has been updated and re-published in 2018.
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Masterpiece Models Mark 49 HellcatPublished:
Masterpiece Models manufactures and sells resin assembly kits at their Vancouver, Washington fabrication and casting shop. Their kits include Dinosaurs, WWII, Vietnam, Scifi, and aircraft bases. Each kit is cast to order. Background on the HellcatFrom Masterpiece Models website: The Mark 49 Hellcat Armored Walker was developed after the 3rd World War in 2046 as a forward attack and reconnaissance Vehicle. The need for walkers after the War was due to the amount of rubble strewn thru the landscape, tracked vehicles tended to bog down in the rubble making maintenance and mobility an issue. The first Walkers developed in 2099 were quite ungainly and had limited range and power. Later on in 2112 after advanced fusion drives were developed and fitted to the walkers… more |