James Kelley
Reviews By Author
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Republic P-47 Thunderbolt: Volume IV (Kagero Monographs)Published:
The book is the fourth and final volume in the Kagero Monographs series on the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. It was written by Tomasz Szlagor and Leszek A. Wieliczko, and is published by Kagero. It is part of Kagero’s Monographs series, each dedicated to a specific aircraft type, offering a thorough look at its development, variants, combat history, and modeling resources. Originally released in 2010, this softcover edition comprises approximately 92 pages. Some sources cite 96 pages and mention 128 photographs, so slight variations may exist between editions. The text is presented in both English and Polish, with a large-format paperback layout featuring numerous black-and-white and color photographs. This volume covers the P-47 Thunderbolt’s final operational use—its role as… more |
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WW2 Vehicles - Through the Lens 5Published:
Overview“WW2 Vehicles, Through the Lens 5” is a captivating installment in the "Through the Lens" series, authored by Tom Cockle. This book delves into the world of World War II vehicles, showcasing an impressive collection of historical photographs and detailed descriptions that bring to life the engineering marvels of the era. Content and StructureThe book is structured in a way that balances visual appeal with informative content. Each chapter focuses on different classes of vehicles, including tanks, armored cars, and transport vehicles. The photographs are the standout feature, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the operational history and design of these machines. Cockle meticulously curates each image, often pairing it with insightful… more |
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The Waffen-SS at Kharkov February — March 1943Published:
The Waffen SS at Kharkov by Afiero offers a detailed and nuanced examination of the Waffen-SS’s role in the Battle of Kharkov, one of the key engagements on the Eastern Front during World War II. Through a combination of meticulously researched historical accounts and vivid battle descriptions, Afiero provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the SS units’ strategies, tactics, and actions, as well as the broader context of the conflict. Kharkov, located in Ukraine, was the site of several significant battles during the war. The German forces, including the infamous Waffen-SS, faced off against the Soviet Red Army in a brutal struggle for control. Afiero’s book delves into the military operations, offering insight into the complexities of urban warfare, supply issues, and… more |
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Nightfighter Aces of the Luftwaffe 1940-43Published:
From the Publisher: On 10 May 1940, the Wehrmacht launched its assault on the West. One element of the West’s response was the dispatch of RAF Bomber Command ‘heavy’ bombers at night over German industrial centers. These raids had only limited effectiveness, but the inability of the Luftwaffe to chase down RAF bombers at night so annoyed Wolfgang Falck that it swiftly resulted in the creation of a credible night fighter force. Initial trials had been flown with Bf 110s at dusk in Denmark on April 1. Nachtjagd Division was founded in the summer of 1940. Its first few months were chaotic, with constant reorganizations of units, and reassignment of aircraft, but soon enough the night fighter arm was achieving steady victories—and losing crews at a similarly steady… more |
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Staff Cars in Germany WW2: Volume 3 - MercedesPublished:
A collection of photographs highlighting the Mercedes models used by Germany during World War II. In the third volume of this publication, the cars of the Mercedes motor company's major production types are covered, such as the Mercedes 170, Mercedes 230–260 series, Mercedes 320 and Mercedes 540. In this volume the author provides a detailed impression of these vehicles through original photographs, taken both during and before the war by the normal German soldiers who both used and served with these now classic automobiles. The book opens with a forward, then an introduction, before going into the first vehicle with in-depth photo captions comprising most of the books’ text. Interestingly, there is no table of contents. If you’re looking for a specific staff car, you… more |
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German Motorcycles at War, 1939–1945Published:
The “Images of War” book series that Pen & Sword offers has fast become a favorite of mine. Each volume has many wartime photos of the subject at hand, and always includes rare photos that the reader has probably never seen before. This issue is no exception. Covering the Germans’ motorcycle corps during WWII, the book is rife with 200 B&W period photos of the bikes in action. Most of the photos are crisp and clear, although a few are a little blurry. Almost every photo has a caption written by the author describing the scene. In studying the photos, the reader can detect a myriad of details, which are invaluable to the modeler, or even to the motorcycle enthusiast. Seeing the details conveys a sense of what the Kradschützen Truppen put up with on a day-to-day… more |
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Bf-109G-6Published:
InstructionsThe 20-page instruction manual is presented in Eduard’s usual manner, on heavy gauge glossy paper, and begins with a thorough history of this aircraft. Care must be taken to ensure all the different options, based on the scheme you choose, are completed. The steps are often very “busy”, and it would behoove the modeler to read things three or four times before committing to cement. DecalsThe decal sheet, covering options for seven aircraft, is generous, to say the least. All markings are in perfect register. A separate, smaller decal sheet is provided for the myriad of data stenciling. The carrier film disappears under a coat of Micro-Sol, but as is now widely known, this film can be carefully peeled off once dried. I have not had much success with… more |
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Rommels' Ghost Division Dash to the Channel - 1940Published:
Adolf Hitler invaded Western Europe in May 1940. After breaking through the supposedly 'impenetrable' Ardennes, Erwin Rommel was at the forefront of the Wehrmacht's audacious drive through France. Rommel, who had no prior experience leading an armored division in combat, moved with such speed and nerve that he frequently surprised French units by arriving far earlier than expected. Crossing the Meuse River, we follow Rommel—in what he referred to as 'practically a lightning Tour de France'—as he pushed through northern France to the English Channel. His spectacular victory at the coastal port of Saint-Valéry-en-Caux was crowned by the capture of Cherbourg. Following the armistice, Rommel was involved in reenacting certain battles, such as crossing the Somme, for the… more |
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Pacific Profiles Volume 14: Allied Bombers: B-25 Mitchell Series Australia, New Guinea and the Solomons 1942-1945Published:
With the newest addition to the “Pacific Profiles” series, Michael John Claringbould has done it again. A subject matter expert on all things Pacific air war, he brings to us a treasure trove of the B-25 Mitchell series in the WWII Pacific theatre. The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout Australia, New Guinea the South Pacific. ThisVolume 14 covers those B-25, PBJ & F-10 Mitchell models which served in these theatres from March 1942 until the end of the war. Mitchells served a total of 21 USAAF bomber and reconnaissance squadrons, plus others were operated by the USMC, RAAF and NEIAF. As with all books in this series, each chapter starts with an extensive history of the… more |
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F4U-1A/2 Corsair (2 in 1)Published:
Hobby Boss first released their new-tooled F4U-1A Corsair back in 2012. Thirteen years later in 2023, after numerous reiterations and re-releases, they have produced a 2 in 1 release with extra parts to provide a kit of the -1A and -2, respectively. Construction, as is the norm, begins in the softly detailed cockpit. There is no provision for any type of seat harness, so I used a set from a Warbirds Decals sheet. Overall detail in the cockpit is soft, and the instrument panel decal is lacking in detail. Step 2 has the modeler construct the engine, replete with a full exhaust collection ring and exhaust. The instructions are confusing in this step (as with many other steps), so the fitting of the exhaust system was done by trial and error. Parts of this subassembly are… more |