The German war machine produced some of the world’s most advanced aircraft designs from World War 2. The Luftwaffe's wonder weapons, when compared to their contemporaries, were clearly years ahead of their time. The Horten Ho 229 is the poster child of these machines and has always fascinated me. I’m always looking for modeling reference material on cutting edge German weaponry of the era and this publication fills in a lot of empty blanks. The book covers the story of the young Horton Brothers and the people who influenced them in their early years and during the war. The authors have compiled in great detail the most thorough technical study, complete development summary and operational record of the Horten Ho 229. Even though it was a promising design, throughout it’s operational life it continued to be a work in progress for the Horton Brothers.

Background

The 2.8 cm schwere Panzerbüchse 41 (sPzB 41) or "Panzerbüchse 41" was a German anti-tank weapon working on the squeeze bore principle. Officially classified as a heavy anti-tank rifle (German: schwere Panzerbüchse), it would be better described, and is widely referred to, as a light anti-tank gun as its construction was much more typical of an anti-tank gun. It was produced between 1940 and 1943 with a total of 2,797 seeing service.

Warpaint’s latest is their standard A4 format, softbound publication that is 88 pages (excluding covers) on the General Dynamics F-111 series. Featuring more than 180 photographs (most in color) along with 34 of Richard J. Caruana’s color profiles, and including the B-Centennial scheme on 68-0028/UH, an F-111E based at Upper Heyford, in June 1976. The color profiles are further enhanced with color scrap illustration of opposite sides of the fuselage as necessary to depict special markings. Nose art and other special markings are also presented enlarged to show off details. For the small scale fans, Richard J. Caruana also includes fold-out 1/72 scale plans.

Here’s another addition to that 1/144 carrier deck diorama/vignette you’ve wanted to do. This is the fire fighter version of the MD-3 Carrier Tow Tractor.

The Kit

You get two of everything except decals. And since you’re probably not going to do the same vehicle twice, that’s OK.

This is the first WWI title in the Warpaint series and includes all the usual Warpaint features – historical text, a glossary for the modeler, color artwork by Richard Caruana and a three page color walk-around by author Matthew Willis.

This softcover publication is 38 pages, including the inner front and rear covers, of data, information, illustrations, period B&W images, and a 3 page walk-around of the fully restored aircraft owned by the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden in Bedfordshire, UK.

Not as well-known as the Sopwith Camel, the Pup distinguished itself during its operational lifespan, and was a stalwart aircraft during the RFC’s most difficult time, Bloody April, 1917. Although a bit slower than some of its contemporaries, it proved to be a nimble and powerful Air-to-Air warrior which contributed much to the control of the air over the Western Front.