Hub Plott
Reviews By Author
|
B-52G/H Stratofortress In ActionPublished:
The B-52 has a long history. First flown in 1952, first entering service in 1955, and with the last airframe out for delivery in 1962, the B-52 soldiers on, still serving today alongside both its replacements 50 years later. This latest (#207) in the In Action series covers the last two variants of this iconic bomber. There is an introduction and then a brief overview of both variants and their participation in conflicts from Vietnam to today. Like most in the In Action series, the bulk of the volume is made up of photographs, the majority of which are in color. It is especially nice to have many color photos of the various nose art carried by the G and H models. Interior color photos are also included. A large portion of this volume covers all of the various ordnance… more |
|
Inferno: The Life and Death Struggle of the USS Franklin in World War IIPublished:
Almost anyone who has seen any documentary of the war in the Pacific has seen images of the very badly damaged aircraft carrier USS Franklin. This book is her story and tells the story of how the “Big Ben” became “the ship that would not die.” The book begins with the shakedown cruise, where the crew becomes familiar with their new charge and her operations. The story then moves on to her first combat and continues on through the significant combat operations that “Big Ben” was a part of in the central and western Pacific. Throughout the book are many personal accounts of the sailors and aviators who crewed the carrier, which adds a great personal touch to the history told within. All this leads up to the events of March 19, 1945, when Big Ben had sailed to within 55… more |
|
AirbornePublished:
This book is a collection of flying stories and not about paratroops, as some may infer from the title. The author has an impressive resume, to say the least! He has served as a test pilot, RAF pilot, movie and demonstration pilot, air show pilot and won the British Aerobatic Championship 13 times, so he knows what he is talking about. All of the stories are his personal experiences flying various aircraft from a 1912 Monoplane, various WWII aircraft and on into the jet age. I particularly enjoyed his recounting of flying a Spanish built He-111 from Spain to the UK for noted warbird collector, Doug Arnold. The various trials and tribulations, not the least of which was poorly translated operations manual and pilot notes, made for a very interesting flight. I found all of the… more |
|
Air Modeller #40, February/March 2012Published:
This is a high quality magazine filled with high quality photos of extremely well done models. I have never found an issue of this magazine to disappoint and this issue is certainly no different in that regard! This issue has seven feature articles, with something for any aircraft modeler regardless of era or scale built. In the first article, we get to look at a gorgeous build of the HpH 1/32 L-29 Delphin. HpH kits are resin kits of extremely high quality and the asking price for them may have made some people hold off until you see what is in the box. Fear not, as the casting is flawless and the detail is magnificent! Next comes converting a 1/48 Tamiya Me-262 to a Me-262A1a/U3. The third article is the cover feature, a 1/48 Airfix Seafire 47. The added detail and workmanship… more |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |