Background

One can put up a legitimate argument that the M4 Sherman series of tanks was the most important Allied tank of the Second World War. The initial Shermans that rolled off the production lines in large numbers had what was known as VVSS (Vertical Volute Suspension System) with two road wheels per bogie. These tanks (M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4A3, M4A4) also operated as their main armament a short-barreled 75mm gun. As WW2 progressed, and reports from the fields of battle suggested the need for various “upgrades”, the Sherman series underwent a number of small and major changes. Late in the war, there were two major changes: the introduction of HVSS (Horizontal Volute Suspension System) which incorporated four road wheels per bogie for a better vehicle ride, together with a larger turret needed to house a larger 76mm main gun. The new designation for Shermans sporting these two major changes added “E8” to the end of the Sherman nomenclature.

If you build modern aircraft subjects, you’re no doubt already familiar with Two Bobs Aviation Graphics decals. Owner Bob Sanchez is a USAF vet who has put in plenty of time around modern jet aircraft. His firm produces some of the best quality decals available for unusually marked and typical line examples of modern aircraft subjects.

The subjects of this set are two Block 40 F-16Cs from the 36th FS of the 51st FW based at Osan AB, South Korea. The first example is an F-16C Block 40, s/n 89-2043, specially painted to celebrate the Centennial of the “Flying Fiends” in October 2017, with two red “swooshes” and checkerboard graphics on the vertical stabilizer and checkerboard accent graphics on the rear fuselage canards. The second example is an F-16C Block 40 line bird, s/n 88-0540, sporting the typical squadron markings from April 2008 of a redfin stripe, galloping mustang graphic and a black checkerboard band across the vertical stabilizer.

If you build modern aircraft subjects, you’re probably already familiar with Two Bobs Aviation Graphics decals. Owner Bob Sanchez is a USAF vet who has put in plenty of time around modern jet aircraft. His firm produces some of the best quality decals available for unusually marked and typical line examples of modern aircraft subjects.

The subjects of this set are nineteen examples of B-2 “Spirit” stealth bombers of the 509th Bomb Wing, stationed at Whiteman AFB, MO. They include the “Spirits” of America, Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Missouri, California, South Carolina, Washington, Kansas, Nebraska, Georgia, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Oklahoma, Kitty Hawk, Pennsylvania and Louisiana, each with their distinctive gear door graphics markings. There are only 20 B-2’s in the USAF inventory, and one is assigned to testing duties. So this set allows you to model any of the current inventory stationed at Whiteman.

The Do-335B-2 Zerstrorer version of the late war German fighter plane had two wing-mounted 30mm cannons in addition to the standard 30mm armament in the nose.

Master has provided some remarkable parts to replace the kit ones. Packaged in the standard card stock backed zip lock baggie. The individual items are packaged separately to ensure that they are safe from damage. The set comprises two resin pieces, the muzzle flash suppressors, and seven beautifully turned brass parts. There are two cowl-mounted 30mm barrels, as well as the wing mounted ones which the flash suppressors are fitted to. A pitot tube is included along with a FuG-25 underwing antenna. The propeller blast tube is also included and makes this set very complete.

History: After the US declaration of war on Germany, hundreds of thousands of American troops flooded into France and were thrust into the front line. Among them was the US Marine Corps' 4th Marine Brigade whose first major action was the battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918, fighting elements of Germany's 10th, 28th, and 237th Infantry divisions. Volunteers to a man, the newly arrived Marines faced experienced but war-weary German conscripts whose doctrine had been honed by nearly four years of conflict on the Western Front. During the fighting, the Germans are alleged to have given the nickname "Devil Dogs” to the Marines, and Belleau Wood has become enshrined in the Corps' heritage.

The book: For a book with just 80 pages and loaded with illustrations it has a lot of information on the Marine assault at Belleau Wood and it appears Greg Adams has done a good bit of research. The chapters are: