F-22A Raptor

Published: February 10, 2020
Company: Fujimi

Background

Several kit manufacturers have released the F-22 in this scale and now Fujimi has jumped into the fray. As far as I know, this release is there first 1/72 aircraft in many, many years. If you are familiar with any previous Fujimi kits, you know they are high quality and well detailed. The Raptor continues that tradition.

The Kit

Upon opening the box, I was surprised by the number of parts for a 1/72 fighter – 170 in all (including 35 for the engine cart). There are no less than eight bags of sprue including two clear sets (one totally clear and one tinted smoky gray). Molded in light gray plastic, the surface detail is exquisite and there are many finely cast small parts. Fujimi also included the option of moveable parts… more

From Props To Jets, Commercial Aviation's Transition to the Jet Age 1952 – 1962

Published: October 11, 2010
Book Author(s): Jon Proctor, Mike Machat, Craig Kodera
Company: Specialty Press

Aptly titled, this decade in the history of commercial aviation was initially dominated by “luxury airliners” like the Douglas DC-7C, Boeing Stratocruiser, and Lockheed Constellation. That was until the arrival of jets - the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8. The authors, Proctor, Machat, and Kodera who have long been associated with the U.S. airline industry take us back to this transitional period through their personal experiences, photographs and paintings.

After WW II, the airliner market was flooded the inexpensive,surplus aircraft like the C-47 and C-54. These became the workhorses of the airline industry as the DC-3 and DC-4. When post-war prosperity set in, demand for travel increased which in turn lead to new airliners. This is where the book begins the narrative about… more

Air War Over Kursk: Turning Point in the East

Published: September 25, 2021
Book Author(s): Dmitriy B. Khazanov
Company: SAM Publications

Whenever “Kursk” is mentioned, my thoughts turn to the massive tank battles that took place between the German and Soviet armies in July/August 1943. This book reminds us above that battlefield, a fierce air campaign was also taking place. After their disastrous defeat at Stalingrad in February 1943, the German High Command believed the Soviets, despite their victory, had been gravely wounded and unable to replace lost men and equipment. Thus, they planned a large summer offensive aimed at a narrow front near the town of Kursk, located about 250 miles south of Moscow. The code name for this plan was “Zitadelle.”

The author delves deeply into the planning and execution of this battle from the perspective of not only the commanders on both sides, but also of the participants. He… more