Paul Bradley
Reviews By Author
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Acrylic Paint Set for RAF Training and Special AircraftPublished:
Another in ICM’s range of paint sets, which is intended for use with any kit of a WWII RAF training aircraft; the box illustrates a Hampden and Tiger Moth. The set contains the following six 12ml paint pots; I have listed their likely intended uses:
The back of the box has a drawing showing where to use each color on a Hampden and two Tiger Moths, one in overall Aluminum Dope, the other in early Temperate Day Scheme with Yellow undersides and ‘trainer… more |
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Douglas DC-3: 80 Glorious YearsPublished:
On December 17, 1935, the first of a ground-breaking aircraft that ushered in a new era of passenger flight: the immortal DC-3, which needs no introduction and is still a common sight 90 years on; the illustrious DC-3, about which so much has been written for 90 years; the glorious DC-3, which holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts across the globe. Every 10 years, someone releases a book titled “Douglas DC-3: [X] Glorious Years." First, it was Arthur Pearcy with his 40 Glorious Years, 50 Glorious Years and 60 Glorious Years. This year, it’s Fonthill Media’s turn with their new book Douglas DC-3: 90 Glorious Years. This is a reprint of their previous book Douglas DC-3: 80 Glorious Years, printed 10 years ago. The 90th Anniversary edition is a… more |
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EA-18G Growler A46-306 "100 Years 6 Squadron" RAAF - 2017Published:
Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights. 6 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was formed in 1917 in England as training unit during World War I. In 2017, 6 Squadron was converted to an Electronic Attack unit equipped with the EA-18G Growler. The squadron achieved Initial Operating Capability with Growler on 2019. For the Centenary of 6 Squadron in 2017, one of these brand-new Growlers, A46-306, received a special scheme with night blue spine and fins, and with a large yellow boomerang, the insignia of the squadron for 100 years.… more |
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Modelling Battle of Britain Fighter AircraftPublished:
Go to any model show and you are likely to see numerous models of aircraft that took part in the Battle of Britain, from both sides. This new book from Pen and Sword offers step-by-step instructions for creating models of Battle of Britain fighters, complete with photos, historical notes and construction and painting tips and tricks for the beginner or intermediate modeller. Eight builds are featured, all Airfix kits, which is understandable given the origin of the book; the ready availability of those kits in Britain; and the relative simplicity of the kits for the nascent modeller for whom this book is aimed. There are two builds each for the Spitfire, B-P Defiant, Bf109 and Bf110, with the first three in both 1/72 and 1/48, and the latter in 1/72 only (because Airfix doesn’t… more |
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Battle of MaltaPublished:
HistoryThe Island of Malta is strategically located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between Africa and Italy, as well as Egypt and Gibraltar. During WWII, the British felt it vital to hold onto the island as a base for both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to conduct offensive missions. Despite this, the island was poorly garrisoned during the early part of the War, as the British forces were spread thin across Europe as well as defending the homeland from a potential German invasion. All that could be spared for aerial defense was a handful of Gloster Sea Gladiators, left in storage by the Royal Navy and hastily brought out by the RAF in 1940. These few airframes were the sole defense for Malta for several weeks while the Italian air force conducted bombing… more |
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RAF Fast Jets in ColourPublished:
Philip Birtles is a name well-known in the British preservation movement, being a leading light with the DeHavilland Aviation Museum, and the author of numerous books about British military aviation. This new book from Fonthill Media draws heavily from Birtles’ photo collection to bring together a photographic survey of RAF combat jets, from 1945 to the present. Starting with the Gloster Meteor and DeHavilland Vampire, the book charts all types right up to the RAF’s new F-35B, all the photos being reproduced in full color. Each type is also subject to a short historical summary of the type’s development and RAF service. Aside from some well-known photos from the RAF and from the likes of Charles Brown, many of the photos are previously unpublished, and are gleaned from the… more |
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F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-210 "100 Years 1 Squadron" RAAF – 2016Published:
Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights. No 1 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was formed in 1916 at Point-Cook (Victoria) In 2010, the 1 Squadron was converted to F/A-18F Super Hornet. The squadron attained full Operational Capability with Super Hornet at the end of 2012. For the Centenary of 1 Squadron in 2016, one of these Super-Hornets, A44-210, received a special paint scheme, the tails being painted black with yellow silhouettes of former aircraft types flown by the squadrons on the inner sides, while the outer sides are… more |
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Rafale "Export Versions" (Part 3) - Croatia - "Croatian Air Force"Published:
Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights. He also issues decals for regular schemes for lesser-known and unusual air forces for kits that offer limited decal options. An example is the 1/72 Rafale C, with the kit issued by Revell offering limited choices. Sylvain’s answer has been to release a number of decal sheets for various air forces. Sheet 72-921 is Rafale "Export versions" (part 3) - Croatia - "Croatian Air Force", and offers enough numerals to reproduce any airframes delivered to the Croatian Air Force in 2024-25, with squadron… more |
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F/A-18C Hornet J-5011 "Tigermeet 2011" Staffel 11 - Swiss Air ForcePublished:
Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights. Sheet 48-069 is titled F/A-18C Hornet J-5011 "Tigermeet 2011" Staffel 11 - Swiss Air Force, which was painted in this scheme for the 50th Anniversary of NATO Tigermeet which took place in Cambrai, France. The pack contains two decal sheets, one with all the special Tiger markings and the other with the rest of the aircraft’s national markings and stenciling, and a full-colour instruction booklet. The decals are silkscreen printed and look great on the sheets. There is little excess film around the… more |
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The Panavia Tornado at Low-LevelPublished:
The Panavia Tornado was arguably the top NATO strike aircraft during the 1980s, first flying in 1974 and continuing in small scale service to this day with Germany, Italy and Saudi Arabia. The RAF used it as their primary strike platform from 1980 onwards, during which time it faced off against the might of the Warsaw Pact from bases in West Germany, and it saw combat in many theaters, including the Gulf War and over the Balkans and Libya, before its premature retirement for political and financial reasons in 2019. Training for those front line missions often involved very low-level flying over Britain’s lakes and valleys, including the famous Mach Loop in Wales, a haven of aviation photographers, such as the author of this book, Scott Rathbone, whose photos have graced many… more |