Hub Plott
Reviews By Author
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MiG-3 Aces of World War 2Published:
This is number 102 in the well-known Aircraft of the Aces series from Osprey. Like others in the series, this book does not disappoint! This is the first English language publication with information about the aces that flew the MiG-3. The book is broken down into six chapters. Chapter one covers the development and deployment of the MiG-3, with the next four chapters covering VVS combat experience with the MiG-3s. The last chapter covers the MiG-3 in the hands of Soviet naval aviators. I particularly enjoyed the account of Sr. Lt. Aleksey Storozhakov’s forcing an Hs-126 to land. He then landed alongside the Henschel and ordered the crew to surrender. After having secured the aircraft, he removed the camera and rear machine gun, which he presented to his CO! The true… more |
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Propliners of the World Vol. 1Published:
This book is a photographic look at classic prop driven aircraft around the world. Some of the aircraft covered in volume one are the DC-3, DH Beaver, Twin Otter, Beech 18, Norseman, and Connie, as well as some of the early turbo-props. Chapter one is a photo essay on the venerable DC-3, covering both restored examples and those still earning a living, as well as the turbo-prop variants. Over one third of the book is devoted to the DC-3. Chapter two covers bush and floatplane operations, predominantly in Canada and Alaska. All the classics are here in photos – the Otter, Beaver, Goose, Albatross, and more. Chapter three covers the preserved prop liners and pleasure flyers. Beautiful color photos of preserved Connies, DC-4, 6 & 7s, Convair 580s, Martin 4-0-4… more |
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Propliners of the World Vol. 2Published:
This book is a photographic look at classic prop-driven water bombers, cargo carriers, and prop aircraft activities in South America. Some of the aircraft covered in volume two are the Catalina, Mars, CL-215, Conair Firecat (Grumman S-2), A-26, P2V, C-46 and more. Chapter one is a photo essay on the various ex-warplanes and civil airliners that now make their living as fire bombers. Almost half of the book is devoted to these aircraft. I particularly enjoyed the photo coverage of the Martin Mars and other former warplanes converted to battle man’s oldest enemy, fire! Chapter two covers Russian and Chinese built aircraft, with large photo coverage of the AN-2. In addition to the Colt, we are presented with photos of IL-18, An-8 and 24s, and Xian Y-7s. Chapter… more |
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Fighters over France 1940 - Book With DecalsPublished:
This is essentially a book of lovely color aircraft profiles! There are 16 aircraft covered by this book: three D. 520s, two Hawk 75s, 4 MS 406s, one Bf-110C, and six Bf-109Es that were engaged in the Battle of France in 1940. The profiles are beautifully drawn and each is accompanied by a short caption in both English and Polish detailing a short history of the pilot and aircraft depicted. Accompanying the book are decal sheets in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 for all of the aircraft illustrated within. The profiles serve as the placement guide for the decals. The decals themselves are absolutely gorgeous! They are well printed, in register, with vibrant colors. The sheet illustrated with this review is the 1/32 sheet, but all markings are on the sheet for each scale. The decals are… more |
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F-86 Sabre Owner's Workshop ManualPublished:
This is the second book in this series that I have had the pleasure of reviewing, the first being for the RMS Titanic. The reader is presented both with history of the airframe type and the basic knowledge to safely start, operate and maintain an F-86A Sabre. This book begins with the story of the Sabre’s development and testing. Next is a good overview of the Sabre’s combat history. Then the reader gets into the main body of the book. This covers the restoration, operation and repair of the world’s only flying F-86A. The book then concludes with a listing of principal production variants and surviving airframes. The true gem of this book is the many color photographs that populate its pages. There are many color photos from the Sabre’s combat in Korea and later… more |
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The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka: A Complete HistoryPublished:
This book is an in-depth look at the Ju 87. When the title says a complete history, it means just that! This book covers the development of the Stuka up to modern day survivors. It has coverage of each variant as well as every area of combat in which the Stuka fought. The first two chapters cover the development and genus of the design. Touching on its competitors as well and giving interesting comparisons. This is followed by the next six chapters. Each of which covers the specifics of each of the following variants, the Anton, Bertha, Caesar and Richard as well as their use in combat both theoretical and actuality. Operations in Poland at the onset of WWII are also covered. I found Chapter Five on the “C” variant for use on the carrier Graf Zeppelin particularly informative… more |
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GRUNTS: Inside the American Combat Experience WWII through IraqPublished:
This thick book gives one a close up look at the life of the fighting infantryman! Each of the 10 chapters covers a specific battle and the experiences of those who fought there. From the Pacific theatre to the European, from Vietnam to Iraq, you are there on the beaches, in the foxholes, the rice paddies and through the streets of Fallujah. This book gives you a very good sense of the up close and personal war that is fought by each and every combat infantryman be they Marine or US Army. Harrowing accounts of night fighting and Banzai charges, fighting the elements and the Germans at the Bulge in this book you are there. Each chapter puts you in the heart of the action and gives you as close as any book can a sense of what it was like to be there. In addition to the… more |
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AVIONS - Le Grand Guide du Maquettisme (Guide to Model Aircraft Building Techniques)Published:
This large book (8 ¼ inches x 12 inches) was originally titled Aviation Modeling Techniques: The Greatest Guide when first published by Euromodelismo.. The book is profusely illustrated with almost 1000 color photos. The book is entirely in French. Each chapter covers the complete building process of one aircraft model. These chapters cover aircraft from WWI up to modern day. Each chapter features a step by step guide to the building process. From detailing, assembly, painting and decaling each step is thoroughly discussed. Typing some of the captions into Google translation yielded some interesting and helpful information. Some of my favorite chapters include one showing the build of a Ki-43 and another on the F4D. Beginning on page 160 is a Gallery of… more |
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Soviet and Russian Testbed AircraftPublished:
This is a very large book covering Soviet and Russian test and research aircraft from the late 1930s to modern times. The book contains eight separate chapters of varying lengths devoted to specific areas of research and testing. The Russians and Soviets have developed many interesting designs over the years and this book gives us a look at some of the most unusual.
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Classic Warbirds "The ANZACs"Published:
This book is a revised and expanded edition of an original book on ANZAC Spitfire pilots that is now out of print. This book gives accounts of the service of ten pilots, seven from New Zealand and three from Australia who served in the China-Burma-India theatre, Europe and the Middle East while flying Hurricanes and Spitfires. The stories within are based on actual accounts of these pilots sourced through memoirs and/or personal interviews. The pilot’s opinions are frank and uncensored and make for a fascinating read. There is a good teaser from the authors about Squadron Leader Jeff West’s further knowledge of the loss of Douglas Bader. Sadly he passed away before the follow-up interview could be conducted. A real treat here for the modeler is the profile and three… more |