17pdr Self-Propelled Gun "Archer"

Published: September 19, 2021
Company: Bronco Models

Background

I'm sure, no matter what you model in WW2, you've heard of the British 17-pounder, most notably in the Sherman “Firefly’'. Well, there was also a towed version – however, it wasn't the most mobile piece, so the British looked for a way to create an SP gun. Fortunately, they avoided cloning the Bishop and instead came up with a new design based on the existing Valentine… more

Hughes H-4 Hercules "Spruce Goose"

Published: June 1, 2022
Company: Minicraft Model Kits

Background

I'll not spend much time here. Google for "Jane Russell", when you're done reading that, click any link to "Howard Hughes", and when done with that click the link to the "Hughes H-4 Hercules" to find out all you need to know about this aircraft.

I will add that SWMBO and I had a trip planned that would allow her to go to a big quilt show in Sisters, OR, and allow… more

Early Canadian Military Aircraft Vol. 1

Published: October 19, 2021
Book Author(s): John A Griffin and Anthony L Stachiw
Company: Aviaeology

The full title of this book is: Early Canadian Military Aircraft, Acquisitions, Dispositions, Color Schemes & Markings: Volume 1, Aircraft taken on strength through 1920 with credits to the authors above and also illustrations by Andrew Tattersall (aircraft) and Terry Higgins (maps).

This is the first volume of an intended series which will cover all Canadian military aircraft… more

Gloster GREBE and GAMECOCK

Published: June 6, 2011
Book Author(s): Tim Kershaw, Illustrated by Krzysztof W. Wolowski
Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books

Might as well get this over with right now - THE BEST MUSHROOM BOOK I HAVE READ!!!!

OK, I'll admit it - the Silver Wings era is my favorite, and in that, the Gamecock is high on my list - so I'm a bit prejudiced. But this book is much more than I expected - it is very well written, very well organized, and very well illustrated. The Grebe and Gamecock are 1920's aircraft; built in small… more

AFVs in Irish Service Since 1922

Published: May 6, 2011
Book Author(s): Ralph A. Riccio
Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books

I am a Rolls Royce Armored Car mega-fan, so I pleaded for this book when it showed on the review list. Also, my real name is Sean O'Ratzenberger ….

The book covers wheeled and tracked armored fighting vehicles used by the armed forces of the Republic of Ireland from independence to the present day. It, of necessity, starts before then, in 1916, and works forward through the civil war as… more

Generic WW2 RAF Instrument Dial Decals and Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 Instrument Panel Decals (Revised)

Published: March 4, 2022
Company: Airscale Model Aircraft Enhancements

Airscale Decals is evidently new, at least within the last year, and their website shows plans for numerous waterslide decals of instrument dials and panels for various 24th and 32nd scale aircraft, Allied and Luftwaffe. I note that placards and data plates are scheduled for future release. I don't do 24th scale, but happened to have a couple Hurricanes around, well, because one can never have… more

Barrel of a Gun: A War Correspondent's Misspent Moments in Combat

Published: February 13, 2011
Book Author(s): Al J. Venter
Company: Casemate Publishers

This book has nothing to do with models or modeling. If you are into modeling that part of the world, you might find a useful picture of a vehicle or aircraft.

The author, Al J. Venter, is a South African war correspondent who has covered Africa and the Mideast for 40-some years He has about 20 books to his credit, a few of which are on diving. I have read none of them, so this was a… more

Gloster G.40 Pioneer by Pavla Models

Published: October 11, 2010
Company: Pavla Models

Allow me to start by thanking Pavla Models for their most generous contribution of numerous models for review by IPMS/USA.

Background

The Gloster G.40 Pioneer was the first British jet -- it is also known as the Gloster Whittle or the Gloster E.28/39. There were two aircraft built but the second crashed so this one, W4041/G, did all the testing from its first flight on 15… more

Boeing B-17 Fortress in RAF Coastal Command Service

Published: September 9, 2010
Book Author(s): Robert M. Stitt
Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books