Tim Hortman
Reviews By Author
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Military Dogs of World War IIPublished:
One of the newest titles in the Casemate Illustrated Series is Military Dogs of World War II by Susan Bulanda The book starts with an introduction on dogs in the military and their military roles as Ambulance, Communication, Draft/Sled, Sentry, Mine-Detection, and Messenger Dogs. The second chapter covers Dogs in the United States Military, and the third chapter covers Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Smaller chapters follow covering the USSR, and the Axis, and a chapter titled Going Home. A nice list of Sources gives the reader a place to look for more detailed information and further reading. The book concludes with a good Index to quickly find relevant information for reference. The book is well illustrated and is a general overview of how dogs were… more |
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Detail & Scale Volume 15 F-105 ThunderchiefPublished:
You may be thinking that “I have the previous version (1982) of this book, so I don’t need this one.” – Well, you’d be unwise with that line of thinking. This new volume on the F-105 Thunderchief has been totally updated. The text and photo captions have been rewritten and when possible, the photographs have all been printed in color. The plastic modeling section has also been updated to include the latest kit releases. The book starts with a short introduction and history of the Thunderchief, followed by a detailed study of each of the Thud variants. Each variant is described in detail, and numerous photos illustrating each are shown. Following the variants is a chapter on Arming the Thunderchief, with descriptions and photos of the munitions carried. … more |
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U.S. Army Signal Corps Vehicles 1941-45Published:
The latest title in Casemate’s Illustrated Special series is U.S. Army Signal Corps Vehicles 1941-45 by Didier Andres. Chapters
This hardbound book was of great interest to me, as my Great Uncle was with Co C, 4th Signal BN in WWII. This book follows a few others by this author on similar subjects which are also of interest to the modeler. The book starts with a general introduction, and then goes into some detail about the “Model K” designation which was unique to the Signal Corps. Chapters… more |
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T-34 "Tyagach" Model 1944 Soviet Recovery MachinePublished:
The WWII Soviet T-34 is one of the most recognizable tanks out there. There is nothing about the T-34 that I can tell you that you probably don’t already know. ICM’s newest release is something that you don’t see too often, and to my knowledge is the first time this variant has appeared in kit form. The ICM #35371 1/35 T-34 “Tyagach” Model 1944 Soviet Recovery Machine. This kit represents the ‘tractor’ version of the T-34 – made by replacing the turret of a damaged tank with a welded plug/hatch. These vehicles were used for towing and recovery operations during the World War II. The kit comes in a nice study inner box with a hinged lid. The colorful box top comes off from that and has the typical printed information. Inside, this kit has six trees plus the upper and… more |
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Boeing B-17 Fortress in RAF Coastal Command ServicePublished:
Mushroom Model Publications (MMP Books) Boeing B-17 Fortress in RAF Coastal Command Service [Second, Revised Edition] by Robert M. Stitt This softbound book is 224 pages and includes a wealth of information for the aircraft enthusiast or model builder. The back cover reads “Rejected as a bomber by the RAF, the B-17 was used extensively as a long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft by Coastal Command. This book tells the fascination story of these operations, a vital but often overlooked part of the fight against the U-Boats. All the aircraft involved are listed, and the tedious but essential work of their crews described, including some epic encounters with enemy submarines. Fully illustrated with many wartime photographs and scale plans of the airframe modifications… more |
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Axis Suicide SquadsPublished:
Fonthill Media’s Axis Suicide Squads – German and Japanese Secret Projects of the Second World War by Justo Miranda. Author Justo Miranda has multiple books & publications out on Luftwaffe ‘paper-projects’ and late war designs. He is a tech drawer and Spanish Air Force Museum advisor. This hardbound book is 224 pages and includes information on both actual aircraft used, and many “paper projects”. The cover flap reads “This book details the designs of all German and Japanese aircraft, examining the suicide bombers and aerial rammers deployed as desperate measures to counter the Allied advance. Axis Suicide Squads is an in-depth history of the tragic necessity for such drastic countermeasures; it contains comprehensive technical information relating to… more |
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Panzer I & II – Blueprint for Blitzkrieg 1933-1941Published:
Pen and Sword Publishers has added to their TankCraft Series. Volume Number 7 titled: Panzer I & II – Blueprint for Blitzkrieg 1933-1941 by Robert Jackson. This softbound book is 64 pages. Included are some nicely done color profiles, many period wartime photographs, a summary of variants and some description of development, along with a section devoted to modeling the Panzer I & II. The book starts with some background on German armor development but quickly gets into the Panzer I & II design and development. The variants of each model are discussed and photos of many of the examples are included. A separate section includes later war variants which used the Panzer I & II chassis for other vehicles. For example the Marder and Wespe. The book is well… more |
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Berge-Panther mit aufgesetztem Pz.Kpfw.IV turm als BefehlspanzerPublished:
The German Panther is one of the most important and recognizable tanks of WWII. There were many variations and Dragon’s boxing here is a special conversion by heavy tank destroyer battalion s.Pz.Abt.653. I believe this was a one-off conversion in the field. Basically a Panther D hull with a Panzer IV Ausf. H turret added to the top. There is no history of the vehicle on the directions or box top, but there is a little to be found online. I’ve read conflicting things online stating that the gun was operational, or if it was non-functioning. The sources I’ve found did all agree with one thing – the turret was fixed forward. This vehicle saw service in Russia 1944 with s.Pz.Abt.653 – which is the kit’s sole marking option. This Dragon release is in a nice sturdy box literally… more |
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Soviet SU-85M Tank DestroyerPublished:
The Soviet SU-85 is a WWII Soviet self-propelled tank destroyer based on a T-34 chassis. The SU-85m was an improved SU-85 with the SU-100 style commander’s cupola. This specific kit from Dragon is a reissue with some new parts. This “Orange Box” kit includes Dragon’s “Magic Tracks” as well as a sprue #GA containing Soviet Infantry Equipment. The box itself is a thinner cardboard and a ‘side-open’ style. A color profile and decal placement guide is shown on the back of the box. Directions are simplified and very easy to follow. All parts are molded in the standard grey plastic, and the kit also includes a metal tow cable. There is no photoetch fret with this boxing. Decal options are included for two unknown units. As with most armor kits, I have… more |
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La-7 Propeller with ToolPublished:
Quickboost replacement propellers have been around for a few years now, but this is the first chance I have taken to work with one. I have to say I am impressed. This is an ingenious idea, which is very quick and simple – all at a reasonable price. There are other products on the market today which help the modeler to properly align their propeller blades. Quickboost has done something here which accomplishes the same thing, at lower cost. The La-7 propeller set comes in the typical Quickboost plastic sleeve packaging, and contains several resin parts: The propeller hub, a resin set of propeller blades and “the tool”. The detail set is designed for the Hasegawa or Eduard boxing of the 1/48 WWII Soviet La-7 Fighter. Cleanup is very easy and accomplished in little time.… more |