Hub Plott
Reviews By Author
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Legends of Warfare Aviation: Grumman F4F WildcatPublished:
This is a new series for me at least. This is a nice hardback book that covers the Grumman F4F Wildcat and the FM series of Wildcats built by Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors during WWII. The Wildcat continued in production and to fight throughout the war even as newer and better aircraft became available. The book has 12 chapters each covering the different variants. The layout is the first chapter on the XF4F-2, followed by chapters each on the following: XF4f-3 and F4F-3, the F4F-3 in detail, XF4F-5, XF4F-6/F4F-3A, F4F-3S, XF4F-4, F4F-4, F4F-7, XF4F-8, FM-1, FM-2 and Wildcat in combat. The book uses many wartime photos mixed in with color photos of museum and restored warbirds to tell the story. The book has wonderful detail shots of each variant, quite a… more |
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Russian Tactical Aviation Since 2001Published:
Growing up during the Cold War which encompassed the red scare and fight against global communism, photos and information on aviation in the USSR was pretty skimpy! A short video of a plane flying over a parade in Red Square or a few grainy, slightly out of focus black and white photos Were all there was. A little bit more was available on export models as they were used by Soviet Client states and thanks to the September 6, 1976 defection of Viktor Belenko flying his Mig-25 to Japan a bit more was available on that aircraft. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain and communism much more information is readily available to the modeler and aviation historian on Russian aviation designs and tactics. The authors are the go to folks for this information. I have had the pleasure of… more |
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B-29 Superfortress Vs Ki-44 "Tojo" Pacific Theater 1944-45Published:
This book details combat between the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the Nakjima Ki-44 “Tojo” in the war against Japan. The B-29s rained destruction down upon Japan daily and the Japanese were desperate to combat the large number of bombers the Americans sent at the home islands. One of Japan’s most formidable weapons was the Ki-44, Japan’s most heavily armed single seat fighter. The book is broken down into 11 sections. The introduction discusses in brief the lead up to both designs and provides a chronology from inception until the end of the war. Next the design and development of both types are covered. The B-29 is covered first then the Ki-44. Chapter Three has the technical specifications of each model. B-29 coverage is on everything from the XB-29 through… more |
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YF-23 ATF Air Force Legends Number 220Published:
This book covers the Northrop YF-23 which was in competition with the F-22 for the ATF contract. The book is written by the chief test pilot of the Yf-23 program and the in-depth knowledge of the author really shows in the book. While the F-22 was chosen many, including myself consider the YF-23 the more aesthetically pleasing of the two designs. Ginter books are well known in both the modeling and aviation community for their in-depth photo coverage and history of the title subject. This book, number 220 in the Air Force legend series lives up to the sterling reputation established by all of the previous volumes. Being a more modern subject, the book is overflowing with color photos. The book begins with an overview of the development of stealth technology and the… more |
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Vought OS2U Kingfisher Warpaint Series #111Published:
This book covers the Vought OS2U Kingfisher. Number 111 in the very familiar Warpaint series by Guideline, this book follows their tried and true format. Beginning with the discussion of the prototype the book then moves into production models and service. All variants are covered including the XOS2U-4 and those made by the Naval Aircraft Factory. Next, comes the extensive overseas service by the Kingfisher. Serving with Australia, throughout Latin America and Russia, brief coverage of the numbers involved and their use is given. This is followed by a detailed description of the aircraft, all its specifications, and fittings. The largest section covers the use of the aircraft in war time service with the USN shipboard, USMC use and those based on seaplane bases and… more |
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Ju 52/3m Bomber and Transport Units 1936-41Published:
This book traces the early history of Ju-52 combat units and operations. The book is broken up into six chapters. Chapter one covers the development of Junkers Ju-52 from the lifting of the ban imposed by the Treaty of Versailles on the production of commercial aircraft in 1922. Beginning with the all metal F-13 and moving through the A-20 and on to the G-24 leading up to project “EF 30”. This was essentially a single engine Ju-52 and eventually progressing to the now familiar three engine design. There is a brief discussion of their use by Bolivia in the war with Paraguay that was very interesting. Discussion is also present on the civilian use of the Ju-52 noting that by March 31,1936 839 Ju-52s had been built and orders came from all over Europe, North and South America,… more |
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Convair Class VF Convoy Fighter: The Original Proposal for the XFY-1 PogoPublished:
This book covers the proposal in 1950 that lead to the XFY-1 Pogo, the Convair Class VF Convoy Fighter! This called for an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing from ship and shore to protect ships in a convoy from enemy aircraft. The Convair design was one of a total of five that the Navy received. The book is logically laid out beginning with an introduction to explain the history of the concept, and then goes directly into the Convair proposal. Cutaway drawings showing the aircraft internals, the seat adjustment for takeoff and landing, general description and so on are provided. The many technical drawings show armament, engine layout, assembly breakdown. In addition there is discussion for a proposal to the US Army for an observation version of this… more |
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LancasterPublished:
This book is a condensed history of the Avro Lancaster. What would come to be the mainstay of Bomber Command has its lineage traced from the beginnings of the failed Manchester design into the most famous of Britain’s WWII bombers. The book is broken down into five chapters plus an introduction. The chronology section lasts three pages and lists all important dates from the Air Ministry specification of July 1936 that lead to the Lancaster’s development through to the 1956 retirement of the Lanc and the 1963 retirement of its follow-on the Lincoln. The design and development chapter begins not just with the Manchester but also discusses how the development of long range bombers had been held back since the Handley Page Heyford in favor of medium ranged twins. This… more |
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Consolidated Vultee XB-46 Air Force Legends #221Published:
This book comes in the now familiar red cover with type photo and follows the series normal format. The XB-46 was one of four entries into the competition for a jet-powered medium bomber. They were along with the XB-46; the North American XB-45, Boeing XB-47 and Martin XB-48. Boeing was allowed to use swept-wing research captured from the Germans on their design. Of the other three straight winged designs the XB-45 was the winner and received a production order. That being said Convair’s XB-46 was one of the most beautiful and elegant straight wing jet designs ever conceived. The long thin 113 foot Davis wing and 105 foot cylindrical fuselage combination was most aesthetically pleasing. The book begins with the development of the design and construction. Paying strict… more |
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The Mosquito Pocket ManualPublished:
The Pocket Manual is a compilation of various Air Ministry pamphlets, publications and manuals on the De Havilland Mosquito. The book starts with the design specifications and related documents. This is followed by the pilot notes in chapter 2 and the operations and tactical publications. This last section details aspects of operating the night bomber version, strategic bomber version, pathfinding and even the Sea Mosquito. The book concludes with 105SQ operations record books. This is an interesting look at various period publications to aid in operating and maintaining the Mosquito. There is good information for the historian, pilot and some nice detailed period cockpit photos with instrumentation callouts. If the Mosquito interests you, you will find this book to… more |