IPMS Number
43146
Brian R. Baker
Reviews By Author
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Red Star Versus Rising Sun, Vol. 1: The Conquest of ManchuriaPublished: November 2, 2021 This book provides an explanation of the conflict between Russia (later the Soviet Union) and Imperial Japan over the territory of Manchuria. This conflict was a result of the arrival of the Europeans in Asia in the late 19th Century, and the result of this contact in Japan. The Chinese were more or less dominated by the western Powers, while the Japanese attempted to modernize to the point… more |
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Scale Plans: No. 70 Fairey Flycatcher - 1/72, 1/48, 1/32Published: January 28, 2022 The Fairey Flycatcher achieved historical significance by being one of the first fighter aircraft designed specifically for operation from Royal Navy ships and aircraft carriers. Developed to replace the Gloster Nightjar, it won out against the Parnall Plover biplane, and first flew in 1922. Only a few Plovers (10) were built, but 196 Flycatchers were finally built between 1923 and 1926, with… more |
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Camouflage and Decals: Focke Wulf FW-190A, Vol. 1Published: October 3, 2021 Historical BackgroundThe Focke Wulf FW-190 was produced in very large numbers during World War II, and was used by Luftwaffe and other German allies until the end of the war. Since the aircraft probably exhibited a wider variety of camouflage schemes and markings than any other World War II fighter, it has become a favorite of modelers throughout the world, and over 100 kits have… more |
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The Wildcat in World War IIPublished: October 2, 2021 BackgroundDuring the last part of the nineteen thirties, the U.S. Navy was in the process of replacing its biplanes with higher performing monoplanes. The Curtiss SBC “Helldiver” dive bomber was being replaced by the Vought Sikorsky SB2U “Vindicator”, and the Martin T4M’s were being replaced by the Douglas TBD-1 “Devastator” monoplanes. Grumman’s last biplane, the F3F-2, was just… more |
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Spitfire Ace of Aces, The Album: The Photographs of Johnnie JohnsonPublished: October 1, 2021 Historical BackgroundAir Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson, CB,CBE, DSO & Two Bars, DFC & Bar, DL, the highest scoring Royal Air Force pilot of World War II, had a diverse and very interesting background, as he was able to infiltrate the ranks of the RAF, which tended to favor the admission of the upper classes. Johnson was very middle class, and achieved his position through his… more |
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WINGS OF EMPIRE: THE FORGOTTEN WARS OF THE R.A.F., 1919-1938Published: September 8, 2021 Historical BackgroundAt the end of World War I, the British Empire had to expand to take over some of the territories in the Middle East and Africa, most of which had been under the control of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Turkey had sided with the Central Powers, and the British took the regions almost by default. The big question, in both the Middle East and Africa, was how to control… more |
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Henschel HS-126 DetailsPublished: September 8, 2021 The ProductThis product consists of a small metal photo-etch stamping which includes detail parts for a 1/72 scale model of a Henschel HS-126, along with some resin parts, including a bomb, smoke generator, and a few other components for the cockpit interior. When I requested this item for review, I assumed that it was the new Brengun 1/72 scale model of the HS-126, but it actually… more |
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Yakolev UT-3 (3rd Version)Published: July 26, 2021 HistoryThe Yakovlev UT-3 was designed as a training aircraft to offer instruction to pilots of multi-engined aircraft, gunners, bombardiers, and radio operators. Construction was mainly of wood, with fabric covering and some steel tubing. Imported French Renault 6Q engines were used on the prototypes, but production models probably had a Voronezh MV-6, a Russian copy of the French… more |
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Latvian Insignia - 1/72 and 1/48 scalesPublished: July 14, 2021 Historical BackgroundLatvia, a small Baltic republic, developed an air force in the twenties, and adopted a striking insignia of a red swastika ( no relation to the German version) on a white circular background. Aircraft operated with this insignia in place up until the outbreak of World War II, Many of their aircraft were imported from Britain, including Hawker Hinds, Bristol… more |
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Images of War: US Naval Aviation, 1898-1945 "The Pioneering Years to the Second World War"Published: July 8, 2021 BackgroundThis book, part of Pen and Sword’s “Images of War” series, traces the development of naval aviation in the United States from the late 1890’s through the end of World War II. Starting with balloon development, which became a military issue during the American War Between the States, the Navy’s leaders became interested in this field towards the end of the 19th century.… more |