James Kelley
Reviews By Author
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Scale Plans No. 65 Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-21FPublished:
Continuing in their Scale Plans series, MMP Books has released Scale Plans No. 65, covering the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF. Consisting of 6 pages, which are each a fold-out set of plans (Nerd Centerfolds, according to my wife) in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales. Opening each set of plans, the book now has 12 pages. Each set of plans consists of:
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F4F-4 Wildcat 'Operation Torch' Duel ComboPublished:
Operation Torch (initially called Operation Gymnast) was the British-United States invasion of French North Africa during the North African Campaign of the Second World War which started on 8 November 1942. The successful Allied operation has been described as a "critical turning point in the war" and laid the foundations for America’s post-war Middle East policy. Despite its important role in the war, Torch has been largely overlooked. The Soviet Union had pressed the US and British to start operations in Europe and open a second front to reduce the pressure of German forces on the Soviet troops. While US commanders favored Operation Sledgehammer, landing in Occupied Europe as soon as possible, British commanders believed that such a course was likely to end in disaster.… more |
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Mitsubishi A6M5c Zero Fighter (Zeke) Type 52 HeiPublished:
Sometimes considered as the most effective variant, the Model 52 was developed to again shorten the wings to increase speed and dispense with the folding wing mechanism. In addition, ailerons, aileron trim tab and flaps were revised. Produced first by Mitsubishi, most Model 52s were made by Nakajima. The prototype was made in June 1943 by modifying an A6M3 and was first flown in August 1943. The first Model 52 is said in the handling manual to have 製造番号 (seizō bangō, or production number) 3904, which apparently refers to the prototype. Research by Mr. Bunzo Komine published by Mr. Kenji Miyazaki states that aircraft 3904 through 4103 had the same exhaust system and cowl flaps as on the Model 22. This is partially corroborated by two wrecks researched by Mr. Stan Gajda and Mr. L… more |
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Bf-108Published:
The Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun is a German single-engine sport and touring aircraft developed by Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (Bavarian Aircraft Works) in the 1930s. The Bf 108 is of all-metal construction. Originally designated the M 37, the aircraft was designed as a four-seat sports/recreation aircraft for competition in the 4th Challenge International de Tourisme (1934). The M 37 prototype flew first in spring 1934 powered by a 250 PS (247 hp, 184 kW) Hirth HM 8U inverted-V engine, which drove a three-blade propeller. Although it was outperformed by several other aircraft in the competition, the M 37's overall performance marked it as a popular choice for record flights. Particular among these traits was its extremely low fuel consumption rate, good handling, and superb… more |