Tim Hortman

IPMS Number
19789

Reviews By Author

Cover

Macchi C.202 Folgore

Published:
Book Author(s): Przemysław Skulski
Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books

This book in the Orange Series from MMP describes the Italian WWII Macchi C.202 Folgore, or MC.202. This is the expanded second edition of this title, and contains some new information not in the first printing.

The MC.202 is probably the most famous and recognizable Italian fighter of WWII. The aircraft was used in combat from its introduction in 1941 through the end of hostilities. It served with the Italian Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) and also with the German Luftwaffe, as well as a few other countries. This book mainly deals with the fighter in Italian service but does include a small section on the aircraft’s use with other countries.

This publication is entirely in English, with many photos, profiles, and drawings. The book describes the design, development, and… more

Cover

Macchi C.200 Saetta

Published:
Book Author(s): Jose Fernandez
Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books

This book in the Orange Series from MMP describes the Italian WWII Macchi C.200 Saetta, or MC.200. The Saetta was a fighter aircraft built in Italy and flown by the Regia Aeronautica during WWII. The C.200 was well loved by its pilots for its excellent maneuverability, and the design was the basis for the later C.202 and C.205 fighters.

This excellent book covers all aspects of the MC.200’s design, development, and operational use of this fighter. Included within is a wealth of information for the plastic modeler, as well as the general aviation historian. All text in the book is in English.

The book’s 112 pages are packed with photos and excellent color profiles detailing the various camouflage schemes the aircraft wore during WWII. The vintage photographs in this book… more

Decals

Decals for RCAF Sunderlands in Coastal Command

Published:
Company: Aviaeology

Aviaeology has re-released their Sunderland decals in 1/48 as “Updated and Expanded.” This package contains a single standard size decal sheet with markings for three aircraft and national markings for one.

All three aircraft are Sunderland GR.III models and are as follows:

  1. EK591: Aircraft 2*U of 422 Squadron RAF Coastal Command, Castle Archdale, Ireland early-mid 1944
  2. DD859: Aircraft 3*G of 423 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Castle Archdale, Ireland August 1943
  3. ML825: Aircraft AB*D of 423 Squadron RCAF, RAF Coastal Command, Castle Archdale, Ireland September 1944

Included with the decals is a very well done, four-page set of directions which includes the decal placement guide, color callouts, and some historical data for… more

Decals

JASDF 40th Anniversary UH-60J Decals

Published:
Company: Hobby Collective

New to the modeling world is Hobby Collective. This excellent decal sheet covers the 1/72 JASDF UH-60J helicopter in 40th Anniversary markings.

Included in the bag are one decal sheet and a double-sided direction page.

The decal sheet itself is slightly larger than a standard sheet and includes markings for a single helicopter (UH-60J 28-4556) from the Japanese Air Self Defense Force in markings to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the group. The aircraft is very colorful in white over yellow with markings of a dragon on both sides of the fuselage.

The directions are all in Japanese but, with a few minutes of study, the modeler can determine what needs to be done. One side is printed in color and has FS color callouts and decal placements. The back is black… more

Decal Packaging

Decals for Canadian-Built Mosquitoes

Published:
Company: Iliad Design

This excellent decal sheet contains markings for five aircraft – all Canadian-built Mosquitoes! Included in the package are one standard size decal sheet and a double-sided full color directions page which includes some brief historical data and individual aircraft information.

Aircraft included are:

  • DHC Mosquito B.XX “New Glasgow” KB162
  • Mosquito B.VIII (KB315) “The Spook” US Markings & serial number
  • DHC Mosquito B.XX KB195
  • Mosquito F.B.26 KA406 as the 1,000th Mosquito built by deHavilland Canada
  • Mosquito F.B.26 (FB1) purchased by the Chinese in 1948

The decals are well done, and printed in perfect register.

I highly recommend this decal sheet to anyone looking to build a Mosquito that is a little… more

Decal Packaging

Nakajima Ki-44 Decals Part 2

Published:
Company: Lifelike Decals

Lifelike Decals has long been known for their high quality, limited edition decal releases. The decals come in the customary clear plastic zip bag, and inside you will find two full color, single sided pages with color callouts, decal placement guides, references, and a ton of historical information on each aircraft covered. Not to mention the decals themselves. This release contains one standard size decal sheet with markings for four WWII Imperial Japanese Army Ki-44 Shoki “Tojo” fighters, as well as a smaller sheet with the kill markings, and a small “correction” sheet for kill markings. Decals are printed by Cartograf of Italy, and are clear and in perfect register.

**Just a note to the buyer – when you’re doing a search to purchase these, you may see some decals labeled… more

Decal Packaging

Nakajima Ki-44 Decals Part 1

Published:
Company: Lifelike Decals

Lifelike Decals has long been known for their high quality, limited edition decal releases. The decals come in the customary clear plastic zip bag, and inside you will find two full color, single sided pages with color callouts, decal placement guides, references, and a ton of historical information on each aircraft covered. Not to mention the decals themselves. This release contains one standard size decal sheet with markings for four WWII Imperial Japanese Army Ki-44 Shoki “Tojo” fighters. Decals are printed by Cartograf of Italy, and are clear and in perfect register.

**Just a note to the buyer – when you’re doing a search to purchase these, you may see some decals labeled for the “Japanese Edition” and some for the “English Edition”. The difference here is the language on… more

Cover

Aichi 99 Kanbaku "Val" Units 1937-1942

Published:
Book Author(s): Osamu Tagaya
Company: Osprey Publishing

This long-awaited title is #63 in the Osprey Combat Aircraft series and is certainly one to add to your collection. This softbound book contains 96 pages which are packed with English text, photos, and color illustrations which tell the history of the Aichi Type 99 “Val” from the early stages of WWII through 1942.

The Aichi Type 99 D3A Carrier Bomber was code named “Val” by the Allies. It was the most successful dive-bomber that the Japanese used during the war and it served in all areas of the Pacific until the end of the war. The Val can claim more Allied shipping tonnage sunk than any other Axis aircraft of the war.

This book contains detailed accounts which are all in English. All too often, we have books written in Japanese, which are not available in English for… more

Box Art

IJN Type 2 (Ka-Mi) Amphibious Tank - Combat Version

Published:
Company: Dragon Models

The Japanese were among many nations during WWII to try and develop an amphibious tank. The Ka-Mi was the results of their efforts. My Japanese armor references are somewhat lacking, but the internet tells me that there were 184 of these floating tanks build during the war. Dragon has issued this great little kit in their 1/35 ’39-’45 series. Kit #6678 of the Imperial Japanese Navy Type 2 (Ka-Mi) Amphibious Tank Combat Version.

“Combat Version” means this kit does NOT come with the distinctive floats/pontoons that give the tank its unique look. Don’t let that put you off, as the kit itself is of exceptional quality, molded in the standard grey. The kit includes a great level of detail on all the parts, and comes with DS track, a small PE set, and a small sprue of clear… more

Cover

Imperial Japanese Army Flying Schools 1912-1945

Published:
Book Author(s): Don Marsh & Peter Starkings
Company: Schiffer Publishing

Imperial Japanese Army Flying Schools 1912-1945 is a recent edition to the Schiffer Military History book line. This large hardbound book contains 248 pages and is packed with information that the historian and model builder will find useful.

The book starts with an introduction and special note to those reading the book. This is especially useful to those who may not be familiar with the nomenclature and terminology used with Japanese language and aviation terms.

The book’s chapters are listed as follows:

  • Evolution of the Army Flying Schools
  • Evolution of the Civil Flying Schools
  • Recruitment and Training
  • Training Equipment and Aircraft
  • The Individual Army Flying Schools
  • Colours and Markings… more