Tupolev Tu-2T Replacement Landing Gear

Published: October 14, 2012
Company: Scale Aircraft Conversions

This was to have been a full gear replacement review until the USPS decided to treat the package like the gorilla from the old 1970’s American Tourister luggage commercial. Unfortunately, the package did not fare anywhere near as well as the luggage did, as it looked like it had been stomped flat. After sorting through the carnage I was able to gather together enough surviving parts for one… more

Me-262 Bomber and Reconnaissance Units

Published: September 21, 2012
Book Author(s): Robert Forsyth with Eddie Creek
Company: Osprey Publishing

This book covers the Me-262 Bomber and recon units of World War II. The Me-262 is well known as the world’s first operational combat jet. Equally well known is the story of how Hitler insisted that the 262 be used as a bomber rather than to defend against Allied bomber raids.

The book is broken up into six chapters. Chapter one covers how the decision to make the 262 a bomber came about… more

B-25 Mitchell Walk Around

Published: September 21, 2012
Book Author(s): David Doyle
Company: Squadron Signal Publications

This book is the latest in the Walk Around series from Squadron. It is in the size and format that is oh so well known to modelers around the world. This book on the B-25 covers the D, H and J variants in color photographic essay format.

The book uses mainly restored warbirds as photographic subjects, and the author has been good about pointing out where the restorations have… more

Antonov An-2/An-2CX Colt

Published: September 18, 2012
Company: Hobby Boss

I have always had an interest in the An-2 ever since watching one take off across the width of the runway at Shaw AFB. It is good to see a 1/48 kit of this much used multi-purpose aircraft.

This kit makes the fifth time that the An-2 has been kitted in 1/48 scale. The first was a Soviet Union-made “desk top” model kit similar to the Allyn and Microscale kits. Neomega did one in resin,… more

The German Aces Speak

Published: July 30, 2012
Book Author(s): Colin Heaton and Anne-Marie Lewis
Company: Zenith Press

This book contains interviews with four prominent Luftwaffe fighter pilots who fought from the Spanish Civil War until the end of the war in Europe in 1945. They are candid about their combat experiences, dealing with the corrupt Nazi civil government and their dislike and contempt for RFM Goering and Hitler. It presents an interesting look into World war II as viewed from “the other side.”… more

Fieseler Fi-156 Storch 1938-1945

Published: July 30, 2012
Book Author(s): Dariusz Karnas
Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books

This book contains all a modeler would need to build and super detail a model of the Storch in any scale. The book also includes scale plans in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35. These plans were first rate.

The first 62 pages cover the basics of each and every variant of the Storch. The next 30 pages cover each of the many non-German operators of the type, also including those captured examples… more

McDonnell F2H-3/4 “Big Banjo”

Published: July 16, 2012
Book Author(s): Steve Ginter
Company: Ginter Books

This book is typical of the excellent Naval Fighters series, of which this is number ninety-one. Ginter books are well known to modelers and aircraft historians alike. They provide an excellent reference source for both common and obscure Naval and USAF aircraft. All are packed with photos, drawings, and details needed by modelers, and this volume does not disappoint.

This book covers… more

B-52G/H Stratofortress In Action

Published: July 16, 2012
Book Author(s): Kenneth P. Katz
Company: Squadron Products

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… more

Inferno: The Life and Death Struggle of the USS Franklin in World War II

Published: June 20, 2012
Book Author(s): Joseph A. Springer
Company: Zenith Press

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… more

Airborne

Published: May 26, 2012
Book Author(s): Neil Williams
Company: Specialty Press

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… more