The Ilyushin Il-2, commonly known as the “Sturmovik,” was a ground attack aircraft used by the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War (World War 2) in great numbers. In fact, it was the most produced aircraft of all back then, with almost 37,000 being made during the course of the war. Simple, sturdy and heavily armored, it played a crucial role on the Eastern Front fighting against the Axis, destroying innumerable vehicles and tanks and greatly blunting the force of Hitler’s attacks on the homeland.

This new volume by MMP Books in their “Spotlight On” series is a wonderful reference for modelers. It begins with a quick overview of the camouflage specifications for aircraft of the Soviet Union, and then follows with page after page of profiles. In fact, the book is almost entirely dedicated to color profiles and plan views.

Steven J. Zaloga was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to John and Muriel Zaloga on February 1, 1952. Steven earned his undergraduate degree Cum Laude in History at Union College and his Masters’ degree in History at Columbia University. He obtained a Certificate in International Affairs from the graduate program of the University of Cracow. He has worked in the aerospace industry for some twenty years as an analyst specializing in missiles, precision guided munitions and unarmed aerial vehicles. Steven has served with a federal think tank, Defense Analyses. He was the writer director for The Discovery Channel's "Firepower" series from 1987 to 1992. He has authored many books on military technology, especially in armored warfare. Steven is a noted scale armor modeler and is a member of AMPS (Armor Modeling and Preservation Society).

MENG has released a new tool kit of this great British AFV, which I have always wanted to have in my collection.

I jumped at the opportunity to review this kit for two reasons, firstly I love the look of this vehicle and it’s a British AFV with no other offerings in this scale on the market.

In the box is:

IPMS/USA appreciates the continued support of Jan at Hauler/Brengun for supporting the IPMS USA reviewer corps with yet one more of his unique and useful products!

Today’s review is a pair of AGM-45 Missiles and Launch rails from Brengun.

What you get: Two Missiles, launch rail adaptors, decals (YAY), and diorama parts. The diorama parts are the transport spreader bars in PE for the aft Missile launch lug, and the electrical umbilical’s for a pre-loaded missile. Also included are the missile motor nozzle rings.

The missiles are well detailed with appropriate screw holes and scribing. The missile forward wings are separate, which allows them to be displayed in “off-line” condition, or in a missile transport coffin with the wings off. (This is not included).

This book covers a little-known major operation within the campaign at Monte Cassino which was a success in its own right.

The operation was to build a road and assault German positions north of Monte Cassino with tanks of the New Zealanders, Indians and Americans forces. The plan was audacious and daring by building a road able to carry the tanks on a narrow mountain track. The operation would help in breaking through the infamous Gustav Line. I have long been interested in the Monte Cassino operation as my Father was involved in this campaign, but I had never read anything on this operation and found the book fascination and illuminating. The work and effort put into this action was enormous. The pictures and maps help the read to outstand the events and actions. The picture of the area as it is now also adds another dimension to the readers knowledge.

I recommend this book to everyone with an interest in WWII.