Reviews of books or magazines relating to scale modeling.

Book Author(s)
Michael John Claringbould
Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
July 20, 2023
Company
Avonmore Books
MSRP
$42.95

“When we met the Thunderbolts they immediately surrounded and separated us from protecting the Donryu (bombers). They attacked from above, outnumbering us three or four to one, however we lost no fighters. In conclusion we did not lose, and one Hayabusa which failed to drop one of its fuel tanks survived. I am of the firm opinion that the Thunderbolt can be shot down if we take advantage of its mistakes. Four enemy Thunderbolts only amount to one or two of our planes…”

Book Author(s)
David Francois
Review Author
Orlando Reyes
Published on
July 19, 2023
Company
Helion & Company
MSRP
$29.95

The book is from The Latin America at War series volume 32, and is the first volume of the history of El Salvador from 1970 through 1983. The book is divided into 8 main areas with an Introduction, set of abbreviations, Conclusion, Select Bibliography and a small information about the author.

The section dealing with the Bibliography gives you the name of the principal political, military and groups involved in the struggle. The names/abbreviations are given first in Spanish and then in English. This section is important to the book and one that the reader will continuously be checking during the reading of the book. The Introduction then provides you with the reasons for the book

Book Author(s)
Ben Skipper
Review Author
Orlando Reyes
Published on
July 19, 2023
Company
Pen and Sword Books Ltd
MSRP
$28.95

The book is part of the Battle Craft series published by Penn & Sword Military publishers. The book is divided into an Introduction followed by two main areas. The first chapter actually deals with the battle, while the second one deals with several models of equipment used during the battle. This latter part is full of color photos showing the kits. In addition, this latter part contains profiles of equipment and aircrafts used in the battle.

Book Author(s)
Philip Jowett
Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
July 19, 2023
Company
Pen and Sword Books Ltd
MSRP
$34.95

The book is another in the great Images of War series. This book covers the history and actions of the Allies during the Italian Campaign from the invasion if Sicily in 1943 to the end of the war in June 1945. The books front cover I think may be incorrect at it states 1941 not 1943.

This is the forgotten campaign as it was later overshadowed by D-Day. In Italy there were over 600,000 Casualties and well over 100,000 dead. Soldiers of many nationals took part in this campaign. The fighting at time was some of the most grueling and hardest fought campaigns of the war.

The book covers all the major battles as shown in the Chapter titles.

Book Author(s)
Przemyslaw Skulski
Review Author
Phillip Cavender
Published on
July 19, 2023
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$11.90

Founded in 1996, MMP Books is a UK-based publishing company with its book publishing division starting in 1999. Specializing in aviation and military history, MMP Books is known worldwide as a source for anything military.

Single Vehicle No. 02 7TP is the second book added to the “Single Vehicle” line of books MMP Books in 2021. Others include Single Vehicle No. 01 ( SU-76M) published in 2021 to their latest Single Vehicle No. 08 (Polish Armoured Draisine TK) entered the market in 2023. Eight books are available in this Single Vehicle Series.

This A4 format 8.2 x 11.8-inch 28-page book is printed on satin paper with 90 black and white images and one color profile page. The front and back covers are both printed on glossy paper. The text is in English.

Book Author(s)
Mig Jimenez
Review Author
Peter Bucher
Published on
July 15, 2023
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$18.99

The Mig Solution Book “How to Modern Russian Tanks” is book number 07 and is a soft bound magazine style offering. The book is 68 pages in full color with photographs on almost every page and is available in four languages.

The first section of the book is a description of products of all paints and materials that Mig offers to be used during the weather and paint processes explained in the book, ending with a full page of icons that are used throughout the book. The Icons are used to describe or explain what the builder is to do during each various step such as paint, washes, wait for a certain amount of time to let paint dry, airbrush paint ratios etc. I recommend that you make a copy of the page for reference so that you do not have to keep flipping back and forth in the book to look up the meanings of the icons.

The book is well illustrated and shows the weathering for a Russian tank in steps as follows.

Book Author(s)
Mig Jimenez
Review Author
Peter Bucher
Published on
July 15, 2023
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$18.99

The Mig Solution Book “How to Weather German trains” is book number 01 and is a soft bound magazine style offering step-by-step tutorials explaining how to apply the different colors and effects to German train cars and a locomotive. The book is 64 pages in full color with photographs on almost every page and is available in four languages.

The first section of the book is a description of products of all paints and materials that Mig offers to be used during the weather and paint processes explained in the book, ending with a full page of icons that are used throughout the book. The Icons are used to describe or explain what the builder is to do during each various step such as paint, washes, wait for a certain amount of time to let paint dry, airbrush paint ratios etc. I recommend that you make a copy of the page for reference so that you do not have to keep flipping back and forth in the book to look up the meanings of the icons.

Book Author(s)
Editorial Staff
Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
July 15, 2023
Company
Cross & Cockade International
MSRP
$42.00

First, I must express sincere appreciation to the editors of Cross and Cockade; IPMS USA sincerely appreciate your provision of a great read.

I decided since I am closet WWI interest-type individual, (when Stationed in Germany I visited Verdun at least 10 times…) I might as well do some reading on “The Great War”.

The society itself has developed a large following (based on people who know more than I) and is considered “the go-to place” to research details on WWI aviation. They are set up with memberships, not storefront operations. Their website also has a plethora of books and resources for research.

From their website:

“Welcome to the web site of The Great War Aviation Society!

Book Author(s)
Adam Jońca
Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
July 15, 2023
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$11.99

This is the seventh book in the MMP Books Single Vehicle Series (as it is a Polish company, it isn’t surprising that three books are dedicated to Polish vehicles, 7TP single and twin-turret and Vickers E), two vehicles operated by Polish forces (SU-76M and T-72M1), and Type 5 Ha- Gō). The Single Vehicle series are short books, between 24 and 28 pages, and focus on that vehicle. This is not a book for someone wanting to read about the operational history, employment, etc. as the writing is limited to well detailed captions.

Book Author(s)
Author: Dariusz Karnas, Illustrator: Andrzej M. Olejniczak
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
July 15, 2023
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$11.99

MMP was founded in 1996 by Roger Wallsgrove, to publish "Mushroom Model Magazine". This quarterly modelling magazine was developed from "Mushroom Monthly”, a club newsletter which ran from 1985 to 1995, achieving a world-wide reputation for quality articles, fearless and honest reviews, and a great sense of humor. From 1997 the magazine was produced in collaboration with Robert Peczkowski and Artur Juszczak (Stratus), which meant a big leap in print quality and design. MMP expanded into book publication in 1999, and since then they have built up a list of books on aircraft and aviation, naval, military vehicles, and military history. MMPBooks are distributed in North America by Casemate Publications.