In my stash are a couple of Hobby Boss 1/48 EMB-314 Super Tucanos. These aircraft are used by several nations as the primary and advanced trainer platforms, as well as light attack and CAS roles for their Air Force pilots. Among those air forces are those from For the modeler it represents a blank canvas for a multitude of colorful camouflage and markings. For that reason, I was eager to review this excellent reference paperback offered by Casemate Publishers.

This 80-page paperback follow-up to the EMB-312 series by the same publisher provides the modeler with a fully-packed and detailed reference book on the type. The reader will learn about the conception and development of the Super Tucano and the differences from the earlier 312 series, along with a short detailing of the Tucano’s run at JPATS for the US.

Pen and Sword Books’ latest release in their Tank Craft series details the Pzkpfw VI Tiger 1 Heavy Tank. This series of books is designed to provide model builders and tank enthusiasts a detailed visual reference of the actual tanks featured, as well as their scale model equivalents. This book focuses specifically on the Tiger I tanks deployed to the southern front for the North Africa campaign through the retreat and withdrawal into Sicily and up Italy until the end of hostilities in May 1945.

Pen and Sword has released a new book on their series “Images of War”. This book is focused on Axis Armored Fighting Vehicles during War World Two.

The book is divided on 4 main chapters

• Reconnaissance Vehicles
• Assault Guns
• Tank Destroyers
• Miscellaneous;

All chapters have a well-researched introduction to the type of vehicle being described –in the chapter- including development, main roles, tactics (including historical narratives and in some cases representative combat action for the vehicle type), plus sub-sections devoted for specific vehicles (of vehicle family) being described.

This is an excellent, well-written, beautifully illustrated book that provides a comprehensive overview of the WWII conflict at both a global and personal level. The hardcover book includes both color and B&W photos, and color illustrations that give a concise, but thorough, understanding of the strategies and decisions of the combatant nations.

Osprey’s Press release describes The Second World War as telling the stories of the men and women who lived and died during the second world war, from “politicians to factory workers, and from high command to the conscripted man on the front lines”. The experience of war is brought to life through a wealth of contemporary documentation, writings, and historical research while the political, military, and historical significance of the warriors are examined. The Second World War provides readers with a comprehensive, and yet very concise, history of the devastating events.

The Tamiya 1/48th scale model of the F-14D recently introduced is a fantastic kit following the earlier release of the -A version. The parts are chrisply molded and loaded with detail typial of Tamiya kits. This kit includes a printed sheet of masking material that must be individually cut out by the builder for the canopy clear areas.

Also included in the Tamiya masking sheet are masks for the engine inlet throats that are not included with the Eduard masks. If the Eduard masks are used for the canopy, portions of the Tamiya mask still has a place in the build.