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Found 49 related products
Echelon FD - AXT351056 - 1:35 | SchPzAbt 506 Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger Is Eastern Front 1943. Designed entirely from scratch to reflect the most updated information (nothing was carried over from AXT351008). As a result, even finer details were achieved with the unit emblems. There are very fine differences when compared to the previous set. While some are obvious, other improvements are barely discernible unless you hold them up really close. The two small and large emblems have always been there. However, thanks to more information showing up in recent years, close-up photos were able to reveal a variation that small emblems had thin versus thick black outlines around the "W"s. And the large tactical numbers were in thick (as reflected in AXT351008) and thin formats (new for this set). And that black outlines were always there. Some didn't show up clearly due to the black outlines being really thin and got blurred out in slightly murky / less defining images. They showed up as mild "shadows" around the edges. In the past, references can only be found in the books where the images were fixed and could not be expanded. When you attempt to look closely, you can only notice the usual printing artifacts. All these new discoveries can only be seen through digital images found online where one can zoom in really closely and draw out the finer details. The tiger face and body stripes of the larger emblem can be also be made out clearer than before (as reflected on this set). Lastly, it is possible that some of the tigers on the emblems were painted in another colour. Educated guess is orange since that is the true colour of the actual animal. Yes, it could be the cause of lens filter used during war time. However, there was one particular image that sealed this notion. An image of two Tigers parked side by side with both rear bins toward the camera. "Green 1" and "Yellow 1". The tiger on "Yellow 1" was visibly darker than the yellow "W" below it, versus the lighter tiger on "Green 1", but not as dark as the reds in the shields. Which can only mean a shade of orange, deductive logics speaking. There was also a 3rd (Yellow) Kompanie Tiger image in TiC 1 that proves this (animal motif darker than "W"). The instruction sheet was completely overhauled was well, and covered more specfic Tigers, which also now included one of the Stab Tiger "Green 1". Incorporating all these findings, the markings of 506 Tiger Is have expanded almost three fold to cover all possibiliies. Resulting in a even larger and more colourful set than AXT351008. Very likely the most comprehensive 506 Tiger I marking set to date. AXT351008 set, which was first released back in 2005, 19 years ago, has gone through very minor revisions through 3 reprints. However, while still accurate and usuable (just including not the latest discoveries) has no more room to expand due space sharing with Fehrmann's Tiger I markings. This set is hence forth retired from the AXT range and will no longer be reprinted. If needed be, Fehrmann's Tigers will be included into a future set which will probably feature Tiger Is of the same mix-and-match varieties from other units. Copyright © 2024 Echelon Fine Details. Website created by Wittmann Goh. More | Military vehicle decals | Catalogue | £31.30 | ||
Echelon FD - AXT351063 - 1:35 | SchPzAbt 503 Tiger Is Kursk 1943 Operation Citadel 1.K A large and comprehensive 1. Kompanie marking set for sAbt 503 Tiger Is during the Kursk offensive "Operation Citadel". Essentially, Kursk '43 503th Heavy Battalion markings and organisation (part of), demysified. The unit did utilise various numeral & cross styles across the board and that may make a generic marking set pretty confusing and daunting to say the least. The set aims to remove much guess work, like which style of numerals and balkenkreuz were used on each Tiger. For example, the mixture of styles on Tiger "123", also versus its eventual replacement turret. Or the fact that replacement Tigers "100" & "111" used a different stencil (smaller and narrower). Even the spacings between each digits, spread wide / close together, neatly aligned, sloped towards the front or unevenly applied, are now no longer an concern. A straight forward, zero-fuss approach to application. The illustrations also highlight which production batch that each Tiger came from, including unique details (if there were any) that were installed on the vehicle. The entire Kompanie is covered, in one way or another (not inclusive of all possible replacement or replaced tanks that were missed out), thus revealing the full organisational structure of the kompanie itself. Battalion emblems (4 variations) are provided, they were researched and drawn from actual markings. Like all large Echelon decal sets, much effort went into research and creation. The Kursk 43 503 sets took an even greater effort, over a span of 2 years, as there were huge amount of information to gather, sort and process. The accumulation of information alone took way longer than that. 1. Kompanie Tigers were assigned to go into battle with 6. Pz. Div. Panzer Ace Kurt Knispel was from this Kompanie. Although he did pose for photograph in the cupola of Tiger "101", Tiger "131" was recorded with a notable 16 T-34 kills, 10th day into the offensive, according to Tigers in Combat I. Which begged some to question whether Kurt was a crew member of Tiger "131" instead. A replacement Tiger "100", a very early Mid version (early hull + later sprockets with machined hub cap) had a lengthy collection of kill rings on its Kwk 36. 19 rings to be exact. [Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E] Copyright © 2024 Echelon Fine Details. Website created by Wittmann Goh. More | Military vehicle decals | Catalogue | £17.85 | ||
Echelon FD - AXT351064 - 1:35 | SchPzAbt 503 Tiger Is Kursk 1943 Operation Citadel 2.K & St. Complete 2. Kompanie and Stabskompanie marking set for sAbt 503 Tiger Is during the Kursk offensive "Operation Citadel", in a nutshell. Essentially, Kursk '43 503th Heavy Battalion markings and organisation (part of), demysified. While the unit did utilise various numeral & cross styles across the companies, 2. K Tiger was most consistent on the use of number and balkenkreuz styles. Although the spacings between digits varied between tanks. Some were unevenly aligned. The set removes all these guess-work for each Tiger. Just pick the option and move forward. Stabskompanie hull and turret crosses, albeit looking very similar to the rest of the kompanie, actually used balkenkreuz stencils different from the rest of the Tigers. This was discovered during the creation process. Even 1. and 3. Kompanie crosses were matched against them - did not fit. The whites and blacks were of different proportions on the Stabstigers. The illustrations also highlight which production batch that each Tiger came from, including unique details (if there were any) that were installed on the vehicle. The entire Kompanie is illustrated except for 1 vehicle, in one way or another (not inclusive of all possible replacement or replaced tanks that were missed out), thus revealing the full organisational structure of the kompanie itself. Of interest is that each zug (platoon) had 3 Tigers, instead of 4. And 4 Zugs in total, instead of 3. Ultimately, still the same number of Tigers for each kompanie, but organised differently. Tiger "243" is not illustrated as there was no images to support the artwork at the time of print. Although numerals for "243" are still provided, in order to make 2.K markings complete. Battalion emblems (4 variations) are provided, they were researched and drawn from actual markings. Like all large Echelon decal sets, much effort went into research and creation. The Kursk 43 503 sets took an even greater effort, over a span of 2 years, as there were huge amount of information to gather, sort and process. The accumulation of information alone took way longer than that. [Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E] 2. Kompanie Tigers were assigned to go into battle with 19. Pz. Div. Copyright © 2024 Echelon Fine Details. Website created by Wittmann Goh. More | Military vehicle decals | Catalogue | £17.85 | ||
Echelon FD - AXT351065 - 1:35 | SchPzAbt 503 Tiger Is Kursk 1943 Operation Citadel 3.K A pull-out-all-the-stops 3. Kompanie marking set for sAbt 503 Tiger Is during the Kursk offensive "Operation Citadel". Essentially, Kursk '43 503th Heavy Battalion markings and organisation (part of), demysified. The greatest variation of styles as compared to 1. and 2. Kompanie Tigers. The set removed much guess-work, like which style of numerals and balkenkreuz were used on each Tiger. Even the spacings between each digits, spread wide / close together, neatly aligned, sloped towards the front or unevenly applied, are now a non-issue. A straight forward, zero-fuss approach to application. Of great interest are Tigers "314" and "323". Both had an additional black outline, even though the digits had black in-fills. These are clues that they were originally white numbers with black outlines. The Tigers at Rostov had used two sets of stencils (white with black outlines). One that was commonly seen, the other less common that had a narrow/tall appearance (on AXT351053), which "314" and "323" originated from. Instead of a complete repaint of numbers to conform to all black-with-white outline standard at Kursk, they were just in-filled with black, with a thin separation of white in between blacks. "314" was neatly done, whilst "323" a bit sloppily done. All the details of "323" digts were faithfully captured, including all the scratches (inner black) on the right side of the turret. The illustrations also highlight which production batch that each Tiger came from, including unique details (if there were any) that were installed on the vehicle. The entire Kompanie is covered, in one way or another (not inclusive of all possible replacement or replaced tanks that were missed out), thus revealing the full organisational structure of the kompanie itself. Battalion emblems (4 variations) are provided, they were researched and drawn from actual markings. Like all large Echelon decal sets, much effort went into research and creation. The Kursk 43 503 sets took an even greater effort, over a span of 2 years, as there were huge amount of information to gather, sort and process. The accumulation of information alone took way longer than that. 3. Kompanie Tigers were assigned to go into battle with 7. Pz. Div. In the backdrops of some Pz.Rgt.25 images, 3. Kompanie Tigers can be found. Copyright © 2024 Echelon Fine Details. Website created by Wittmann Goh. [Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E] More | Military vehicle decals | Catalogue | £17.85 | ||
Echelon FD - AXT351100 - 1:35 | Panzer Division Symbols - Wehrmacht (1939-1945) The A to Zs of Wehrmacht Panzer Division Symbols for all periods, starting from 1.PD all the way to 116.PD. Also included temporary types for the Kursk Offensive. Some have never been released before in decal form. Nitty-gritty details of each symbol are meticulously captured and sized from references, collected over the years. By size, meaning not just overall dimensions but also line thickness as well. On top of that, each symbol is also matched against accurate kit parts for a full measure of accuracy to ensure that they looked the very part they are intended for - the kits. They are not based on any llustrations or work that are often personal interpretations (no offense, some are no doubt good, but I prefer to work from scratch), but what were actually seen and painted on vehicles of the various periods. A number of the symbols had variations of the same type - a result from different periods of the war or a field workshop's diverse stencil variations of the same period. This set is for all vehicle types including softskins, not just a "for Panzers only" set, hence why some symbols are not included as they were only seen on panzers. Rest assured, those not incuded will be released with Panzer-specific sets in the future. The extensive work done for this set will also pave way for many unit specific sets in the future, now that I just need to focus on other elements instead, namely tactical numbers and other markings. Lastly, I'm very happy how 10. PD bisons turned out - the effects of soft "overspray" edges are not straight forward to create (for silkscreen printing) and required some additional steps to perform before sending them out to print. Also, not all professional decal printers can execute this effectively as it depends on the silkscreens they use, so I am very satisfied. (Note: some parts of the jpeg image are censored due to sensitivity issue.) Copyright © 2025 Echelon Fine Details. Website created by Wittmann Goh. More | Military vehicle decals | Catalogue | £18.99 | ||
Echelon FD - D356278 - 1:35 | Re-printed! Afrika Korps Palm Trees in black, red and white. Most are familiar with the usual DAK palm trees in white as that is the most commonly seen colour. Followed by the black ones, although not as common as the whites but they certainly existed. The rather obscure types are the red ones! This set comes with 6 styles for each colour. The styles were accumulated over the years while researching on DAK vehicle markings. There are 4 sets for each style and colour, enough for 2 sides of a vehicle, together with the front and back. Thus each set comes with 72 palm trees altogether! More | Military vehicle decals | Catalogue | £12.40 | ||
HMH-Publications - HMHDH-022 - No Scale | C-160 Transall, a two-engined transport aircraft that has been in service for over 54 years! Every detail of the elegant aircraft in service with air forces of Germany, France, Turkey and South Africa is included as well as some surprisingly dynamic action photos. Cockpit, cargo bay, fuselage, wings, vertical tail, and of course an extensive maintenance chapter is included. 116 pages More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £23.99 | ||
HMH-Publications - HMHDH-024 - No Scale | Agusta-Westland A109 This 116 page book was made in collaboration with the popular Belgian Air Force A109 Demo Team "The Razzle Blades". It contains some 40 pages of behind the scenes look at the workings of the Demo Team and some 70 pages of walk-around of the agile light helicopter. Every detail of the helicopter is shown, from the airframe, cockpit, cargo compartment, main rotor and tail. An impressive maintenance chapter shows every hidden detail of the helicopter, including the engines, avionics, drive shafts, etc. Included are photos of helicopters from the Belgian Air Force, RAF and air forces of New Zealand, Sweden, South Africa, Italy, ...This is the first in depth portrait of the popular A109, which remains in production, after more than 30 years. More | Aircraft books | Limited Availability | £25.50 | ||
HMH-Publications - HMHDH-037 - No Scale | Grumman F-14 Tomcat. DH-037 is the biggest book we've done in the Duke Hawkins series, with 220 pages and is on the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. This book shows every detail of the legendary Tomcat, but also A LOT of action. Over 450 photographs show the jet from every side: forward fuselage, top fuselage, landing gear, gear bays, wings, engine exhausts, vertical tails, ... Of course extensive chapters on the F-14's cockpit and maintenance are also included, as well as recent photographs of the only Tomcats still flying: those of the IRIAF. Action photographs were taken over many years, leading up to the last cruise of the jet. This is the most extensive book in the series up to date and weighs just over 1 kg.[F-14A F-14B F-14D] More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £34.50 | ||
Linden Hill - LHB-01 - 1:72 | Book 'Airlift to the Top of the World' (book to accompany Shorts Sunderland decals) https://www.lindenhillimports.com/lhi-blog#/ "By 1950 it had been almost forty years since a publicly funded British polar expedition had been attempted. In contrast to the days of Scott and Shackleton, it was now possible to support such a venture with both motor and air transport. The British North Greenland Expedition (BNGE), a combined scientific and military venture to a remote region within 800 miles of the North Pole and headed by a Royal Navy Lieutenant-Commander, would not have been possible without the support of military aviation, mostly in the shape of the Royal Air Force's Coastal and Transport Commands. This book examines the origins of the Expedition and for the first time tells the full story of the role played by the RAF in transporting the BNGE northwards, supplying it, supporting its scientific research work, and bringing it safely home. It is a story that includes both potential and actual calamities and details missions flown by the RAF in some of the world's most extreme climatic conditions." More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £26.99 | ||
MA Publications - MAE02 - No Scale | Building the Messerchmitt Bf-109. The iconic Messerschmitt Bf-109 was the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighter force during World War II. The aircraft first saw operational service in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War and was still in service at the dawn of the jet age at the end of the War in 1945. The Bf-109 is the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 airframes produced from 1936 up to April 1945. It was also one of the most advanced fighters of the era, including such features as all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear, and was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 engine. It was conceived as an interceptor, and later models were developed to fulfil multiple tasks, serving as bomber escort, fighter- bomber, day-night all-weather fighter, ground-attack aircraft, and as reconnaissance aircraft. It was supplied to and operated by several countries during World War II and served with a number of air arms for many years after the war. The Bf-109 was flown by the three top-scoring German fighter aces of World War II, who claimed 928 victories among them. The highest scoring fighter ace of all time, Erich Hartmann, flew the Bf-109 and was credited with 352 aerial victories. The aircraft was also flown by Hans-Joachim Marseille, the highest-scoring German ace in the North African Campaign, who achieved 158 aerial victories. It was also flown by several other aces from Germany's allies, notably the Finn Ilmari Juutilainen, the highest scoring non-German ace on the type. This second book in the MA Publications 'Model Aircraft Extra' series brings you a guide to building some of the variants of the Bf-109. In all some 14 build projects are included in a 'how-to' format using kits in popular scales from some of the best model makers around. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £14.99 | ||
MA Publications - MAE03 - No Scale | Building the F-4 Phantom. The iconic McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was originally developed for the US Navy and entered service in 1960. Proving highly adaptable, it was soon adopted by the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force, and by the mid-1960s had become a major part of their air arms. The Phantom is a large fighter with a top speed of over Mach 2.2, and can carry more than 18,000lb of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and various bombs. The F-4 was used extensively during the Vietnam War, where it served as the principal air superiority fighter for the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps and became important in the ground-attack and aerial reconnaissance roles later in the war. The aircraft continued to form a major part of US military air power throughout the 1970s and 1980s, being gradually replaced by more modern aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle, Lockheed-Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon F-14 Tomcat and the F/A-18 Hornet. The F-4 Phantom II remained in use by the US forces in the reconnaissance and Wild Weasel roles in the 1991 Gulf War, finally leaving service in 1996. It was also the only aircraft used by both the USAF Thunderbirds (F-4E) and the US Navy Blue Angels (F-4J). The Phantom was also operated by the armed forces of eleven other nations, and Israeli Phantoms saw extensive combat in several conflicts, while Iran used its large fleet of Phantoms, acquired before the fall of the Shah, in the Iran Iraq War, and both the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy used the FG.1 and FGR.2 versions using Rolls-Royce Spey engines. As of 2019, sixty years after its first flight, the F-4 remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece, and Turkey. The aircraft has most recently been in service against the Islamic State group in the Middle East. This third book in the MA Extra Series contains fifteen model builds, colour profiles and scale plans, and will be a must for the Phantom-Phanatic! More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £14.99 | ||
SAM Publications - MDFSD10 - No Scale | MDFSD10 Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon By Andy EvansThe Eurofighter Typhoon is the one of the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, with simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. It is currently in service with seven air forces and on order with two more, and has already been combat proven during operations in Libya, Iraq and Syria. The Typhoon is built with advanced composite materials, to deliver a low radar profile and a strong airframe, and only a small percentage of the aircraft's surface is metal, delivering stealth operation and protection from radar-based systems. Pilots were included in the design from the earliest stages, to develop a deliberately unstable airframe that could still be flown effectively, and one that delivers both superior manoeuvrability at subsonic speeds and a supersonic capability to support the widest range of combat scenarios. Eurofighter Typhoon is also at the forefront of sensor technology, and the sensor suite continues to be upgraded to deliver enhanced detection and operational abilities. The PIRATE infra-red sensor provides passive air-to-air target detection and tracking performance in the IRST mode for covert tracking and air-to-surface operations in the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) mode. As well as Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles and the 27mm Mauser cannon, the Typhoon carries the latest beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile technology. Soon the Meteor advanced long-range missile will provide a long stand-off range as well. Its Laser Designator Pod (LDP) also enables precise location of targets and guidance of air-to-surface weapons, and the Typhoon has also been upgraded with the Paveway IV, with its combat proven dual-mode guidance system, coupled with height of burst and penetrating capability. The Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) comprises of wingtip Electronic Support Measures and Electronic Counter Measures pods (ESM/ECM), missile detectors and chaff and flare dispensers. The aircraft has the Captor-M mechanically scanned radar, and the Captor-E electronically scanned radar is the future primary sensor. The pilot is fitted with a unique Helmet Mounted Symbology System (H.M.S.S), which provides flight reference and weapon data aiming through his visor, and is fully compatible with night vision aids and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) imagery. The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile aircraft, designed to be a supremely effective dogfighter and ground attack platform, and one that will be in service for many years to come. This new MDF Scaled Down from SAM Publications bring the Eurofighter story to life, and is packed with information, and in full colour throughout and will be an ideal reference for both the modeller and enthusiast alike.100 Pages More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £14.99 | ||
Guideline Publications - MIL3DD - No Scale | The M47 Patton Tank by David Doyle (mil3DD) 100 pages The American M47 Patton is one of the least known tanks of the Cold War, but in this meticulously researched new book well-known US vehicle historian David Doyle reveals its history. With the real threat of World War III imminent, the M47 was rushed into production in 1951 as an interim improved medium tank. Thankfully, the feared global conflict was averted, and for the United States, who developed the M47, it proved to be an interim tank indeed, serving for less than a decade. But for many of the nations across the world who fielded it, the M47 soldiered on for many years-with some still in service as late as 2024. This feat is made even more impressive when the story of the struggle of its development and production, which was far more convoluted than many other military systems, including many far more complex, is fully understood. This 96-page softcover book, based almost entirely on primary source documents and lavishly illustrated with previously unpublished images, reveals the history of the M47, one of the longest-lived armored fighting vehicles. It is an essential addition to the library of modellers, vehicle enthusiasts and historians alike. More | Military vehicle books | Catalogue | £20.00 | ||
Mark I Guide - MKD32008 - 1:32 | Lockheed T-33 Thunderbird colours and markings. With its roots in the successful Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter, the Lockheed T-33, popularly known as the T-Bird, became the USAF's standard advanced trainer of the 1950s. Almost 5,700 T-33As were built for the USAF and USN, of which more than 1,000 were transferred to NATO Allies and others to a number of smaller air forces worldwide, and the aircraft were also licence-built in Canada and Japan. The type's operational service spanned well over 40 years, thus reaching an amazing record in longevity. The 'Dozen Set' line of handbooks is aimed especially at scale modellers. Each title describes twelve particular aeroplanes, documented by period photos, and also brings useful detailed shots which can be utilised in finishing the models. The publication has 28 pages, including a total of 49 overall and detailed photographs, 12 pages with colour camouflage schemes and their description. Text in English. A comprehensive decal sheet is added for modellers' convenience. Following aircraft are depicted on each decal sheet: U.S. Air Force (2x), U.S. Navy (1x), U.S. Marine Corps (1x), Royal Canadian Air Force (1x), Canadian Armed Forces (1x), Japanese Ar Self Defence Force (1x), Luftwaffe (1x), Royal Netherlands Air Force (1x), Belgian Air Force (1x), French Air Force (1x) and Spanish Air Force (1x). More | Aircraft books with decals | Limited Availability | £23.60 | ||
Guideline Publications - MMI759206 - No Scale | Panzer Vor! 84 pages The Armoured Vehicles of the Panzerwaffe in Profile and Miniature There is no doubt, almost eighty years after the end of World War II, that the tanks and other armoured vehicles developed and employed by Nazi Germany from 1933 until 1945 continue to fascinate historians and modellers alike. Their popularity is evident in the rate at which new kits of German vehicles appear from all the major model manufacturers. These new kit releases are fuelled by an ongoing search for information on these AFVs and a steady of stream of period photographs, many from private archives, that are a constant source of fascination for modellers This book brings together the best of more than a decade's research articles published in Military Modelcraft International, redesigned and presented for this book. Together they shed light on Nazi Germany's armoured forces-the Panzerwaffe-and the men-the Panzertruppen-who fought with them. Rare archival photographs reveal unique camouflage schemes and unusual field modifications, while colour profiles will provide inspiration beyond the marking and camouflage options provided in model kits. As well as this unique reference source, the book contains a build of a small-scale armoured car by master modeller Alex Clark and a previously unpublished build of Tamiya's Panzer IV Ausf. More | Military vehicle books | Catalogue | £19.99 | ||
Naval Fighters - NF113 - No Scale | Douglas F4D-1 / F-6A Skyray By Nick Williams 256-pages, over 600 b&w photos and drawings, 23-pages of color (86-color photos). The radical tailless F4D Skyray built by Douglas in the early 1950s was the product of flying wing research work originally done by Jack Northrop and Germany's Alexander Lippisch of Me-163 fame. Since no horizontal tail was present, longitudinal and lateral control was maintained by trailing edge "elevons" that functioned as both elevators when used together, and as ailerons when used opposite one another. These were supplemented with a set of wing root "trimmers". This carrier fighter interceptor was originally scheduled to be powered by the J40 which proved inadequate and thus entered the Fleet with the J57 instead. The F4D Skyray set World 3Km and 100Km speed records and Time-to-Climb records. As an intercepter it was armed with four 20mm wing mounted canons supplemented with rocket pods and later Sidewinder missiles. It was operated for about 10-years until 1964 by 29 Navy squadrons and testing units and 11 Marine squadrons and units. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £49.99 | ||
Naval Fighters - NF116 - No Scale | Boeing F4B Biplane written by retired Navy Captain Richard S. Dann. With 408 b&w photos and 24 drawings filling its 160-pages. After three years of intensive research, author Richard S. Dann has finally produced the definitive history of the Boeing F4B, the Navy's iconic Golden Age fighting plane. The Boeing F4B, a favorite of pilots who flew it, still draws interest of hobbyists and historians alike, primarily due to the striking paint schemes worn by these aircraft during their service. Boeing, a company in existence since 1916, had produced a number of fighter aircraft for both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. Derived from the company's successful PW-9 series for the Army, Boeing developed what can be considered the first truly successful carrier fighter with their FB series. First flown in 1925, the FB set the stage for the development of several follow-on aircraft for the Navy, namely the F2B and F3B. These aircraft were manufactured using state-of-the-art techniques, being constructed with welded tube fuselages and wooden wing structure, with fabric covered surfaces. These standard construction methods were also used in the Boeing Models 83 and 89, which were built on speculation, tested by the Navy in 1928 and subsequently purchased as the XF4B-1. Sufficiently impressed with their performance, the Navy ordered 27 F4B-1s with deliveries commencing in 1929. A second version, the F4B-2 was developed with improvements over the initial model and also put into production with 27 built. As the decade of the 1930s began, the use of traditional construction techniques of welded tube fuselages gave way to airframes manufactured using lightweight aluminum alloys. Use of semi-monocoque, stressed skin aluminum offered lighter airframes and subsequently, higher performance. In the F4B series, this was first seen on the company-funded Model 218 prototype, which bridged the gap between the earlier and later versions of the F4B. The later versions of the F4B, the F4B-3 and F4B-4 were partially constructed of aluminum alloys as first used on the Model 218 in place of steel tubes, offering high strength and light weight. Just 21 F4B-3s were built before Boeing switched production to the F4B-4, of which 92 were built. Boeing's F4B dominated U.S. Navy fighter and some bomber squadrons from 1931 to 1935, with the last squadrons of F4Bs transitioning in 1938. As F4Bs were phased out of front-line service, they were turned over to the training command, and later, as unmanned aerial targets used for training shipboard anti-aircraft gunnery crews as part of Project FOX. The last F4Bs were withdrawn from service in 1942. The first half of this 160-page monograph covers the developmental history of the F4B. Each version from F4B-1 to F4B-4 is covered, as well as the Boeing Model 218, which served as the prototype for the F4B-3 and F4B-4. 408 photographs and 24 drawings provide an in-depth study of each version. Much of the data for this section comes from period test reports and specification documents. In addition, a history of each airframe is provided, including squadron assignments, mishaps, strike dates, final disposition and total hours of flight time, if known. This is followed by an operational history of each Navy and Marine Corps squadron that operated the F4B as well as other Navy/Marine Corps commands that operated the type. Also included is a history of the Boeing Models 256 and 267, export variants that were sold to Brazil and the F4B-4A, which consisted of P-12s given to the Navy. Just two F4Bs found their way to civilian operators, and their civilian use is also included in this book. The final chapter dedicated to the aircraft discusses eight new-build Boeings that have been under construction in Gardnerville, Nevada since 1993. The first of these aircraft is expected to fly in late 2023 or early 2024. As with nearly all Ginter books, the final chapter is devoted to model kits. In the latest book of Steve Ginter's Naval Fighters series, you'll find many interesting facts you may not have known about the F4B. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £37.50 | ||
Naval Fighters - NF121 - No Scale | Grumman FF/SF Plus G-23 Delfin/Goblin and Prototypes By Richard S. Dann 132 pages (128 B&W, plus 4 color Pages), 363 photos and drawings The Grumman FF-1 and its derivatives, namely the SF-1 and G-23, represent a paradox in naval aircraft design. On one hand, it represented the end of the line for two-seat US Navy fighters in the biplane era. On the other hand, it incorporated relatively new technologies that when brought together, gave the FF-1 a significant performance margin over existing U.S. Navy fighters. Indeed, design choices such as retractable landing gear, enclosed cockpits and all-aluminum construction existed previously, but the FF-1 incorporated all these technologies into a single airframe. In the Navy's own words, "The design of the XFF-1 marked a considerable advance in the reduction of weight and drag for this class of airplane and resulted in correspondingly high performance." The origins of the FF-1 can be traced back to early 1930, just months after the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation filed articles of incorporation. During discussions with the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics regarding their "A" Float, the Navy became intrigued by Grumman's approach to retractable landing gear, the Navy asked Grumman about the feasibility of adapting their patented landing gear system to existing Navy fighters, such as the Boeing F4B and the Curtiss F8C. Grumman advised against this approach stating that adding retractable landing gear to these existing aircraft would force a complete redesign. Furthermore, being an aircraft manufacturing company, Grumman desired to design and build its own aircraft. Grumman's Design G-5, was submitted to the Navy, and in March 1931, a contract was awarded to Grumman for the XFF-1. Naval Fighter Series NF121 is an in-depth study of the design and development of the FF-1 and its derivatives. The first half of the book describes the XFF-1, FF-1, XSF-1, SF-1, XSF-2, GG-1 and XSBF-1 in detail with photographs and drawings, while the second half of this book covers operational use. While U.S. Navy service was limited to two fleet squadrons, the FF-1 and SF-1 enjoyed long careers in Navy and Marine Corps Reserve squadrons until mid-1942. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this series was the G-23, a license-built derivative manufactured by Canadian Car & Foundry in Fort William, Ontario, Canada. A total of 52 G-23s were built, with 34 finding their way into combat use by Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War. The Spanish "Delfin", as it was known saw extended service after the war, with the last one being retired in early 1954, nearly 22 years after the first flight of the XFF-1. 15 G-23s were accepted by the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940 as the "Goblin", and their service is also included in this book. This book is a fascinating in-depth study of a little-known Navy fighter that set the stage for Grumman's dominance of carrier-based naval aircraft that lasted over 50 years. Lots of MPM/Special Hobbies kits of this have been released. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £37.50 | ||
Naval Fighters - NF302 - No Scale | FROM BATS TO RANGERS A Pictorial History of Electronic Countermeasures Squadron Two (ECMRON-2) Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2) by Angelo Romano and AMHC (AW) John D. Herndon, USN, Ret. This Pictorial History of US Navy's Electronic Countermeasures Squadron Two (ECMRON-2 or VQ-2), later designated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (FAIRECONRON TWO or VQ-2) by Angelo Romano and AMHC (AW) John D. Herndon, USN, Ret. is the second title of the new U.S. Navy SQUADRON HISTORIES by GINTER BOOKS. The photo coverage of the history of the Electric Bats, also known as the Rangers, is comprehensive, both in terms of photography and in terms of historical content. Much of the squadron's mission was top secret, as were many of its cold war missions, but the authors were able to utilize official (declassified) documents and first-hand accounts to write this book. For completeness, it is also a history of the U.S. Navy Electronic Intelligence gathering activities going back to WWII, beginning with the creation of the Cast Mike (Counter Measures) Project in 1942 and the deployment of early XARD receivers aboard aircraft like the Consolidated PBY Catalina and PB4Y Liberator. After WWII, the Navy started to use the Privateers as dedicated ELINT platforms and assigned them to two special units operating jointly with the National Security Group. One of these units, designated Port Lyautey Patrol Unit (NPU), was based at Naval Air Activities Port Lyautey, in French Morocco. It was first assigned modified PB4Y-1s and later, the Martin P4M-1Q Mercator. The NPU teamed with the Naval Security Group's Naval Communications Unit 32 George (NCU32G), which provided the ELINT equipment installed on board and the crew to operate them, mostly for covert operations around Europe and the Mediterranean. When the NPU reached its full complement of four P4M-1Qs, the unit and NCU32G, needed to have an administrative identity for budgetary and logistics purposes. Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWO (VW-2), based at NAS Patuxent River, was therefore selected to be its "mother" squadron. On 1 May 1953, NPU Port Lyautey became VW-2 Detachment A (or DET ABLE). In 1955, the Navy decided to establish a dedicated squadron for the unique mission rather than continue with a detachment: Electronic Countermeasures Squadron TWO (ECMRON TWO) was established on 1 Sep 1955. ECMRON TWO was assigned the alphanumeric designation "VQ-2". Its mission was to conduct electronic-search in support of fleet operations to obtain adequate and timely information on enemy radar, communications, and other emissions in support of fleet operations. The Squadron inherited the P4M-1Qs from VW-2 DET A and acquired a Lockheed P2V Neptune for utility purposes. On 1 Jan 1960, EMCRON TWO was redesignated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (FAIRECONRON TWO) but still retained the alphanumeric designation "VQ-2". In 1956, VQ-2 received its first Douglas A3D-1Q Skywarrior, followed in 1957 by one A3D-1. In 1958, the Squadron received the Lockheed P2V-5F Neptune to augment the P4M-1Qs. The more capable A3D-2Q/EA-3B arrived in 1959 followed by the big Lockheed WV-2Q/EC-121M Constellation in 1960. The first Lockheed EP-3E ARIES arrived in 1971 and the squadron continued to fly this aircraft until disestablishment in 2012. The VQ-2 history and all worldwide events surrounding it are very well described and documented. This 242-page book contains 180 B&W and 444 color photos, most never published before. Thirty-seven superbly detailed aircraft color profiles show the evolution of the color schemes and markings and the different aircraft types and sub-types, providing very useful information for the benefit of both modelers and aviation historians. The inclusion of many squadron patches completes this masterpiece. THE AUTHORS Angelo Romano Angelo has authored six books: Wings from Coral Sea (Golden Wing Publications, 1986), Naval Fighters (Osprey, 1990), Naval Air Weapons Meet 1956-1959 (Model Publishing, 2006), First and Foremost - An illustrated History of Carrier Air Wing One - CVW-1 Part One 1934-1957 (Model Publishing, 2006), CVW-1 Part Two 1957-1973 (Model Publishing, 2008), and Black Knights Rule! (BKR) - A Pictorial History of VBF-718 / VF-68A / VF-837 / VF-154 / VFA-154 - 1946-2013 (Ginter Books, 2014). John D. Herndon AMHC (AW) Retired U.S. Navy John joined the U.S. Navy in 1978, Assigned to VQ-2 a total of 13 years E-1 to E-7, deployed to six Aircraft carriers in support of the EA-3B aircraft. Additionally deployed to locations all around the world in support of the EP-3E aircraft, Maintenance Control, Aircraft Division and Detachment Leading Chief Petty Officer. Retired out of VQ-2 his last tour which ended in 2000, went on to civilian life, employers ATA and American Airlines and finally the FAA as an Aviation Safety Inspector, currently the Boeing 787 Fleet Program Manager overseeing United Airlines safety compliance. Very involved over the years in collecting VQ-2 information/ history, assisted in raising funds and restoring a VQ-2 EA-3B Aircraft in Fort Worth Texas Ranger 15 BuNo 146453. More | Aircraft books | Limited Availability | £58.30 | ||
Naval Fighters - NF305 - No Scale | US NAVY SQUADRON HISTORIES - NO. 305 WORLD WATCHERS A Pictorial History of Electronic Countermeasures Squadron ONE (ECMRON-1) and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1). by Angelo Romano Pages: 304 Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches) Format: Paperback with semi-rigid cover Illustrations: 633 mostly color photos, 39 color profiles, 82 patches Publisher: Ginter Books The lineage of VQ-1's "World Watchers" can be traced back to two PBY-5A Catalina "Black Cats" modified for electronic reconnaissance during World War II. In Oct 1951, the unit was formally established as the Special Electronic Search Project (SESP) at NAS Sangley Point, Republic of the Philippines, in Oct 1951. On 13 May 1953, the unit was redesignated Detachment Able of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (VW-1), and operated four P4M-1Q Mercator aircraft. On 1 Jun 1955, Detachment Able was reorganized into Electronic Countermeasures Squadron One (VQ-1) at MCAF Iwakuni, Japan. This was the first Navy squadron dedicated to electronic warfare. In Sep 1956, VQ-1 received the first A3D/A-3 Skywarrior, or "Whale" as it came to be known, which served the squadron for the next three decades. In 1960, VQ-1 moved to NAS Atsugi, Japan and redesignated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE. The last Mercator was retired and replaced by the WV-2Q Super Constellations. The "Willie Victor" would remain the backbone of VQ-1's long range, land-based reconnaissance efforts through the Vietnam Era and into the 1970s. The squadron's involvement in the Vietnam War started characteristically, at the very beginning, when a Skywarrior crew was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for their role in the Gulf of Tonkin incident of 2-5 Aug 1964. For the next nine years, VQ-1 would operate from DaNang, Cubi Point, Bangkok, aircraft carriers on patrol in Yankee Station and other bases in Southeast Asia. VQ-1's aircrews supported countless air strikes and were credited with assisting in the destruction of numerous MiG aircraft and Komar patrol boats. In 1969, The first EP-3B joined the squadron, which began the replacement program for the Super Constellations, which was completed in 1974. In 1971, VQ-1 moved its homeport to NAS Agana, Guam. At that time it absorbed Heavy Photographic Squadron SIXTY ONE (VAP-61) and its former parent unit, VW-1. For a time, VQ-1 consisted of thirty aircraft: sixteen Skywarriors, twelve Super Constellations and two Orions. In Jul 1974, VQ-1 welcomed the first of three EP-3E ARIES I, which served well until retirement, in 1992. On 29 Nov 1988, the last four Skywarriors left the squadron which now flew EP-3E exclusively. In 1991, the squadron closed its permanent detachment at Atsugi, after 30 years and relocated it to Misawa, Japan. In the same year, VQ-1 received the first EP-3E Aries II, an upgraded version of the ARIES I, using modified P-3C airframes. The squadron played a key role in Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Tasking included strike support, combat search and rescue, communications and over-the-horizon-targeting support to Coalition forces. In 1994, as a result of the base closure of NAS Agana, VQ-1 was notified of the homeport change to NAS Whidbey Island. Coincidentally, in Jul 1994, VQ-1 retired the Navy's oldest operational P-3, EP-3E ARIES I BuNo 148887. Its retirement also marked VQ-1's transition to all EP-3E ARIES II mission aircraft. The next aircraft upgrade, the Sensor Systems Improvement (SSIP) Program, became operational in Aug 2000. On 1 Apr 2001, a VQ-1 EP-3E collided with a People's Republic of China F-8 II fighter, 70 nm off the coast of Hainan Island in the South China Sea. After struggling to regain control of the crippled aircraft, the crew performed a successful three-engine, no-flap emergency landing at Lingshui Air Base on Hainan Island. The crew of 24 was detained for ten days. After the terrorist attacks of 11 Sep 2001, VQ-1 surged aircraft and crews to the Central Command, where missions were flown in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. On 17 May 2012, VQ-1 became the largest operational aviation squadron in the Navy when Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2) was officially disestablished and its personnel consolidated into VQ-1. Today, VQ-1 continues to provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) flights over an area of responsibility spanning 17 time zones from the East Coast of Africa to the West Coast of the United States. The World Watchers maintain a constant, forward-deployed status to ensure global support to Combatant, Joint and Fleet Commanders. This book is a tribute to all World Watchers who have served the squadron since its establishment to date. A special mention goes to those crews who were lost in tragic accidents, while serving their country. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £74.99 | ||
Naval Fighters - NF307 - No Scale | SMOKIN' TIGERS A Pictorial History of Reconnaissance Attack Squadron ONE (RVAH-1)by Michael Grove and Angelo Romano On 1 Nov 1955, Heavy Attack Squadron ONE (HATRON ONE or VAH-1) was established and temporarily based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida. On the same day, CDR P.F. Stevens assumed the command of the squadron. He was a highly decorated patrol-bomber pilot during World War II. In 1956, VAH-1 underwent an intensive training schedule in anticipation of the receipt of the new jet, Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior. Designed with an eye toward the Heavy Attack mission, the A3D was an atomic bomber, fully capable of carrier operations. On 31 Mar 1956, the squadron received five A3D-1s, thereby becoming the first fleet unit to take delivery of the jet-powered nuclear bomber. The squadron's initial deployments were to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic area onboard USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59) and USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62). Following their return from their Apr-Aug 1962 cruise, the SMOKIN' TIGERS began transitioning to the North-American A-5A Vigilante. On 22 Jan 1963, the first A-5A was accepted for service by the squadron at NAS Sanford, Florida, and in March of that year, VAH-1 became the first squadron to win a monthly bombing contest while flying the A-5A. The squadron also completed one deployment with the heavy attack version of the Vigilante on the INDEPENDENCE during Aug 1963-Mar 1964, participating on several NATO and Sixth Fleet exercises. Upon returning to Sanford, VAH-1 began transitioning to the RA-5C, with squadron skipper CDR J. W. Taft delivering the first example from the North-American plant at Columbus on 10 July 1964. On 1 Sep 1964, the squadron was redesignated RVAH-1. The SMOKIN' TIGERS logged their first combat deployment to Southeast Asia during May-Dec 1965, completing 308 combat missions. Over the course of the next 13 years, RVAH-1 alternated between the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, completing three additional combat cruises. Like all RA-5C squadrons, it shifted homeports from Sanford to NAS Albany, Georgia, in 1968, and in 1974 moved to NAS Key West, Florida. The second fleet squadron to operate the Vigilante, RVAH-1 disestablished on 29 Jan 1979. Pages: 120 Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches) Format: Soft bound Illustrations: 140 color and 93 B&W photos, 73 color profiles, 10 drawings and 24 patches. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £41.60 | ||
Naval Fighters - NFAF223 - No Scale | Douglas C-74 Globemaster By Nicholas M. Williams, 104 pages (88 in b&w, 16 in color), 141 b&w photos, 35 color photos, 22 illustrations. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 brought U.S. Army Air Corps strategists to the realization that a new global transport was needed to carry large loads over great distances. The Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California, also quickly saw this need and design studies were begun immediately on an expanded version of the company's DC-4. The "C-74 Project Group" adopted a design philosophy to produce a "no frills" transport able to accommodate at least two of the Army's T-9 tanks, two 105mm Howitzers, or two angle dozers. Douglas contacted the Air Corps early in 1942 to determine their interest and a letter of intent was issued in March 1942 for procurement of the Model 415A, now designated the C-74. A contract of over $50 million was signed in June 1942 for fifty airplanes. To speed its delivery to operational units, the C-74 was designed to be released without the benefits of an experimental or prototype model, all aircraft being designated as C-74s with design features following conventional "state-of-the-art" practice. Originally, powered by Wright R-3350 engines, a decision was made in March 1943 to switch to the new, mammoth Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major. The first C-74 was rolled out in July 1945 from the Douglas Long Beach factory. At rollout, the C-74 was the largest land-based transport in the world with a wingspan of 173 feet, length of 124 feet, and gross weight of 145,000 pounds. Able to carry 125 passengers, the C-74 was called the Globemaster as its 11,100-gallons of internal fuel gave it a maximum range of over 7,000 miles, enabling it to circumnavigate the world with only two refueling stops. In its final form, the C-74 was a remarkably efficient airplane, using a semi-laminar flow airfoil for its wings with a full-span flap arrangement. The pilots were enclosed by two teardrop-shaped, double-bubble canopies that provided them with a 360-degree view. Douglas had every intention of adapting the C-74 into a civil airliner once hostilities had ended. In 1944 Pan American World Airways ordered 26 examples of the civil version, the DC-7, for a route expansion program into Latin America. However, further development of this DC-7 design increased its gross weight to 162,000 pounds and the unit cost to $1.4 million and Pan American cancelled its order in October 1945, opting for smaller transports. The first C-74, 42-65402, made its maiden flight from Long Beach in September 1945, but with the end of World War II, most of the C-74 production order was cancelled and only 14 Globemasters were built. Unfortunately, during contractor demonstration flights the second Globemaster crashed. The fourth C-74 was subsequently diverted for static tests and its components tested to destruction at Wright Field, Ohio. Beginning in September 1946, the remaining twelve C-74s were flown for the next nine years by the Army Air Forces' Air Transport Command and the U.S. Air Force's Military Air Transport Service. Once in service, the C-74 Globemaster, based first in Memphis, Tennessee, then Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Florida, finally at Brookley AFB, Mobile, Alabama, set many records for tonnage carried. In November 1949, a C-74 flew the Atlantic to England with a record 103 passengers aboard. One Globemaster set several records during the Berlin Airlift, averaging over 38,000 pounds of cargo and setting a new Airlift Task Force utilization record by flying 20 hours in a 24-hour period. Until one C-74 was converted to the prototype C-124A and the Globemaster II became available, the C-74 was the only Air Force transport capable of carrying outsized cargo. After the C-74's retirement from service in 1955, several were purchased surplus and began flying for a contract air carrier, Aeronaves de Panama, hauling prize cattle from Denmark to the Middle East, horses to Singapore, and ships' parts and vegetables throughout Europe. Unfortunately, after the tragic crash in 1963 of one C-74 in Marseilles, France, the airline suspended operations and its C-74s eventually were scrapped. Today, no examples of this record-setting transport exist. This monograph of the C-74 Globemaster is written by Nick Williams, an award-winning author of over two dozen articles published in the Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society and publications in the U.K. Nick has written two previous books in Steve Ginter's Naval Fighters series as well as his 1999 book published in the U.K., "Aircraft of The Military Air Transport Service 1948-1966". His new book on the C-74 is the result of nearly fifty years of research, containing comments from several of the C-74's engineers as well as former Douglas and Air Force pilots. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £27.40 | ||
Naval Fighters - NFAF228 - No Scale | Northrop F-20 Tigershark By Northrop Test Pilot Paul Metz with Tigershark Voices quoted from 8-other Test Pilots/Engineers. ISBN#979-8-9854726-6-0 144-pages, 296 color photos, 20 b&w photos, and 135 illustrations. The F-20 was conceived as the next evolution of the Fighter for Export (FX), a concept that had been in place for over 50 years and a formalized U.S. government policy for over 25 years. Northrop invested $1.2 billion of its own money on that policy. However, no production contract followed, not because of any technical deficiency but because of a changing government policy on what our allies would receive in U.S. military aid. This book traces the development of the 3 generations of a 1955 design called the N-156 which became the T-38 and the F-5A/B. The F-5A/B evolved into the F-5E/F and finally the F-20 Tigershark. Each step in that progression was to keep up with the latest Soviet fighters. The F-20 was designed to counter the Mig-29 and Su-27, 4th generation fighters. The book reveals the unique design goals that produced a reliable, easily maintained, easy to fly, agile fighter-bomber that was affordable for many allied air forces in the wake of WW II. The story is told from the first person accounts ("Tigershark Voices") of the struggles and triumphs to create a new type fighter in a world of increasingly complex, expensive and maintenance-intensive fighters. Other "Tigershark Voices" bring the reader into the F-5 and F-20 cockpits as the pilots describe flying this breed of fighters. This definitive Tigershark book features original documents and photographs, most in color and previously unpublished. Original documents of USAF struggles to name the Tigershark the F-20, Presidential directives to build a fighter for export and limitations on sales, performance with no government funding are a few of the many examples of original documents pivotal to the F-20 story. Also included are the various F-20 follow-on proposals: RF-20A/B, F-20B/C/E/F and Lavi fighters. As with all Ginter books, the F-20 Tigershark also presents information of interest to the scale modeler. Beyond the detailed color photos, the book has many detailed factory drawings of the F-5 and F-20 with 3-views, cross section cuts and inboard drawings showing structure and equipment in great detail. The cockpit comparison drawings are masterpieces of the graphic arts. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £49.99 | ||
Naval Fighters - NFAF229 - No Scale | Douglas XB-42/42A Mixmaster and XB-43 Jetmaster Air Force Legends number 229 ISBN: 979-8-9899509-3-5 88-pages, 182 b&w photos, 3-color, 40 drawings During WWII, the unsolicited Douglas Aircraft proposal for a contra-rotating pusher propeller powered light bomber would become the most unusual and iconic U.S. military aircraft built during the war. Shades of "Buck Rogers" to be sure. Amazingly, no major problems were encountered by this challenging design. The XB-42 "Mixmaster" performed well, even setting a transcontinental speed record. It's fuselage housed two Allison V-1710 engines and their long propeller driveshafts. This gave the fuselage enough width to house two jet engines and the all-jet XB-43 proposal was born. Where the XB-42 was designed, built, and flown within a year of Douglas first proposing it, the XB-43 "Jetmaster" took many years to complete, mostly waiting for its promised J-35 engines to be delivered. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £29.99 | ||
Squadron Signal - SQS12051 - No Scale | Mutt In Action (Soft cover) The 4WD M151 was intended to be a lightweight, high-mobility replacement for the M38A1, itself a successor to the famed World War II jeep. Dubbed the Military Utility Tactical Truck or "MUTT" by the military - GIs almost universally referred to the vehicle as a "jeep." The series' service life spanned more than 40 years and four manufacturers, and the vehicles saw service everywhere the U.S. GI was deployed. This volume chronicles the development and field use of the 4WD M151 series in Europe, the Middle East and, of course, there is extensive coverage of the vehicles' service in Vietnam. The photos, many previously unpublished, are augmented by seven line drawings. Illustrated with 220 photographs; 80 pages.[4WD M151A1 Ford Jeep Mutt 4WD M151A2] More | Military vehicle books | Catalogue | £11.99 | ||
Squadron Signal - SQS1603 - None | North-American RA-5 Vigilante (old stock imported from abroad so may not be 100% 'as new' condition) unavailable for many years. covers may have slight damage where they may have stuck together More | Aircraft books | Special Offers | £4.99 | ||
Start - STARTFROM - No Scale | From Submariners to Tank Killers Marine-Panzerjagd-Regiment 1 and the Fighting near Hamburg in April-May 1945 Author: Axel Urbanke ISBN: 978-3-941437-53-1 Pages: 192 Photos: 157, 48 of them in colour Illustrations: 15 color maps Format: 24 x 28,5 cm - Large format, Hard cover plus dust jacket At the beginning of April 1945, it became clear that the surrender of the Wehrmacht was only a matter of days or weeks. But despite this hopeless prospect, the German troops still put up fierce resistance to the enemy. Most of the front-line soldiers had long since given up hope of an already illusory final victory. Other goals now had priority. The way to the west had to be kept open for columns of refugees; steps had to be taken to ensure that civilians and wounded comrades could be evacuated by sea; and a path to the west had to be cleared for their own troops. The great spectre on the Eastern Front was that of being overrun by the Russians and then being subjected to their reprisals. Very few interested people today know that a stubborn fight against the British and Americans was also necessary on the Western Front in order to achieve these goals. So in April, the Germans were playing for time, because every day that the Wehrmacht troops in the West delayed surrender saved the lives of thousands, even tens of thousands of people in the East. But Hitler was still alive and making his unrealistic decisions in Berlin. To oppose his orders in those days could quickly mean death. In this situation, Hamburg, a city of millions, made preparations for a "defence to the last round of ammunition". Disaster loomed. Due to a lack of troops, at the beginning of April, the High Command of the Wehrmacht increasingly resorted to sailors whose ships had been sunk, were damaged, or are no longer able to sail due to a lack of fuel. Among these men were about 2,000 submariners who had been waiting in the Elbe metropolis for the completion or repair of their U-boats. Now, instead of putting to sea in their boats to fight the enemy, they stood up to the British with Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons as part of the 1st Naval Anti-Tank Regiment. Under the level-headed battle commander of Hamburg, they put up such a measured resistance that time was gained to finally surrender Hamburg without a fight and, by stopping the British at the Elbe, keep the Baltic ports open to refugees for about 14 days longer. This book is an exciting piece of contemporary history that provides a somewhat different view of the events of that time. Follow the submariners' fight in the Harburg Hills and on the Elbe, which has never been summarised until today and which saved the lives of tens of thousands of people. Important note for submarine enthusiasts: Photos of Type XXI and Type XXIII submarines are known to be very rare. This book contains 31 unpublished color photos of the construction of these boat types and their commissioning at Blohm-und-Voss and Deutsche Werft AG in Hamburg. The photos were taken as part of film recordings made by war correspondent Walter Frentz on behalf of Hitler. Frentz was to film all of the modern new weapons in the summer of 1944. During filming, he privately made color slides. The color recording is therefore a small sensation that can finally be seen 78 years after it's creation. More | Military vehicle books | Limited Availability | £61.99 | ||
Valiant Wings Publishing - VWPAA-01 - No Scale | AA-01 Second Edition! The Heinkel He-219 'Uhu'. A Detailed Guide to the Luftwaffe's Ultimate Nightfighter by Richard A. Franks Valiant Wings Publishing's returns to where the Airframe Album range started back in 2012 with a second, much expanded edition of the very first title in the series, The Heinkel He-219A Detailed Guide to The Luftwaffe's Ultimate Nightfighter by Richard A. Franks The He 219 is a very popular aircraft modelling subject, confirmed by the fact that we had to reprint our first edition twice after our first run sold out in under two months. Much has changed regarding available knowledge and references concerning the type so it seems right to re-introduce this title in expanded and revised format. The modelling map of the He 219 has also changed considerably over the past nine years so this title will be a new book partly-rewritten, and expanded from the first edition to contain at least 128 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 40+ pages of technical information 20+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 10+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and updated modelling information 150+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Jacek Jackiewicz & Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans New specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher ISBN: 978-1-912932-18-4 Increased to 144 page!. Contents will include extra walkaround pictures, new and redrawn 3D isometric images as well as two kit builds, plus other information that has come to light-essentially a new book. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £19.95 | ||
Valiant Wings Publishing - VWPAM-17 - No Scale | AM-17 The Messerschmitt Bf-110 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's Famous Zerstorer Valiant Wings Publishing is pleased to announce that our next title in the well-established Airframe & Miniature series will be The Messerschmitt Bf-110 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's Famous Zerstorer by Richard A Franks. The Bf-110 has become very popular aircraft modelling subject in recent years and our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choices of variants and schemes that apply to the type. This seventeenth book in our much-acclaimed series will contain 256 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 60+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 8+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Wojciech Sankowski and Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of 1/48 scale plans The Messerschmitt Bf-110 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's Famous Zerstorer by Richard A Franks More | Aircraft books (on modelling aircraft) | Catalogue | £24.95 | ||
Valiant Wings Publishing - VWPAM-23 - No Scale | AM-23 The Junkers Ju-88 Part 1: V1 to A-17 plus B-series-A Complete Guide to the Luftwaffe's Legendary Twin by Richard A. Franks. The Junkers Ju 88 has become a very popular aircraft modelling subject in recent years and our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choice of variants and schemes that apply to the type. This twenty-third book in our much-acclaimed series contains over 264 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. The Junkers Ju 88 Part 1 contains: - 40+ pages of technical information - 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams - 35+ pages of camouflage and markings - 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information - 200+ photographs including wartime images - Colour side views and stencil diagram by Richard J. Caruana - 3D isometric views of all Ju 88A and B-series variants by Wojciech Sankowski - Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Steve A. Evans and specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher - Set of 1/48 scale plans ISBN: 978-1-912932-30-6. Airframe & Miniature No.23 More | Aircraft books (on modelling aircraft) | Catalogue | £28.95 | ||
Valiant Wings Publishing - VWPAM-24 - No Scale | AM-24-The Junkers Ju-88 Pt 2- Ju-88C to the T-series?" A Complete Guide to the Luftwaffe's Legendary Twin by Richard A. Franks The Junkers Ju 88 has become a very popular aircraft modelling subject in recent years and our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choices of variants and schemes that apply to the type. This twenty-fourth book in our much-acclaimed series will contain at least 256 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. The Junkers Ju 88 Part 2 contains: 40+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 35+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views & stencil diagram by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all Ju 88C to T variants by Wojciech Sankowski Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl and Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Set of scale plans ISBN: 978-1-912932-31-2 Publication end July/ early August More | Aircraft books (on modelling aircraft) | Catalogue | £28.95 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS100 - No Scale | Republic F-84F Thunderstreak and RF-84F Thunderflash. Fraught with engine and aerodynamic teething problems that resulted in its missing the Korean War for which it was intended, the F-84F Thunderstreak, initially seen as languishing in the shadow of the more well-known and proven F-86 Sabre, matured to become a formidable fighter-bomber that served not only with the USAF's Tactical and Strategic Air Commands, but also with numerous European air forces for many of which it also offered the first experience in swept wing jet fighter operation. It provided a much-needed deterrent during the critical early years of the Cold War and the 1960s, especially with NATO air forces, where it normally replaced its straight-wing predecessor, the F-84 Thunderjet. No fewer than 2,711 examples of the Thunderstreak were built, so that for a time it was the fighter most in widespread use in Europe, becoming the backbone of the Alliance's combat element. In contrast, its service with the USAF was rather short-lived when newer fighters such as the F-100 Super Sabre and F-4 Phantom with superior and supersonic performance supplanted it in service. However, with the outbreak of the Vietnam War, when these modern fighters and the USAF's other more valuable combat aircraft were deployed to Southeast Asia, the USAF recalled the Thunderstreak for another spell of frontline service in defence of mainland United States. It was only the French who used it in anger when it carried out strikes on Egyptian targets during the Suez Crisis of 1956. Sharing the Thunderstreak's main characteristics including its vices and virtues, its offshoot, the RF-84F Thunderflash, was considered to be the best photo-reconnaissance fighter of its time, capable of carrying six cameras in its abundant nose in 15 different combinations. The Thunderflash, too, was exported to most of NATO's air forces, as well as to the Republic of China Air Force where it carried out routine overflights over mainland Communist China in a hostile environment. The French, too, used it in a firing war, again in Suez, while the Turkish Air Force similarly employed it during its brief war with Greece in 1974. Again, the advent of such types as the RF-101 recce Voodoo and the RF-4C Phantom replaced it in USAF service, while the F-104 was the type that most replaced it in NATO air arms. But both the Thunderstreak and Thunderflash remained in service for a long period in some of the European air forces, the last Thunderflash being retired from the Greek Air Force in 1991. This latest Warpaint title gives an account of these two types' service, with detailed lists of serials, squadron service, production and variants in 80 pages of text accompanied by no fewer than 190 colour and B&W photos, eight pages of colour artwork by and foldout scale drawings, describing the development and operational career of these remarkable aircraft. This book is written by Charles Stafrace and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £20.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS104 - No Scale | General-Dynamics F-111 Aardvark and EF-111A Raven General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark & EF-111A Raven - By Charles Stafrace Controversy and competency is the best way to describe the first variable geometry combat aircraft to enter operational service anywhere in the world. This was the F-111 Aardvark, the typical Cold War 'below the radar' strike bomber. It was born in one of the most politically-motivated and incompetent procurement processes ever, and experienced a troublesome gestation period with spiralling costs in development and production, and an unimpressive first deployment to Vietnam in 1967. Yet, all this was forgotten when the F-111 matured and proved itself to become a devastating weapon and a formidable penetration strike aircraft in its second tour in Southeast Asia in 1972-73, helping to prove that its sophisticated attack and terrain-following radar systems enabled the delivery of a large number of ordnance with unerring accuracy at ultra-low level in a hostile environment. Thus equipped, the F-111's long-range all weather missions on targets in Libya in 1986 and in the Gulf War of 1991 confirmed that the Aardvark had become the spearhead of Tactical Air Command and USAFE, and for many years represented the cutting edge of NATO's deep strike forces. It is enough to say that during the Gulf War only two aircraft types were allowed to attack downtown Baghdad and avert collateral damage: the F-117 and the F-111. The longer-span FB-111 was developed with bombing avionics for undertaking the nuclear delivery role with Strategic Air Command, while later still a major re-do resulted in the EF-111A Raven in which were installed the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art electronic countermeasures and signals jamming systems available to assist in SEAD missions. The swing-wing F-111 was a familiar sight in Britain in the 1980s and early 1990s when it equipped two USAFE wings at Lakenheath and Upper Heyford, the latter base also hosting a squadron of EF-111As during part of the same period. The F-111 tactical strike fighter served with the RAAF as well, and was retired from service as recently as 2010. The F-111 was even ordered by the Royal Air Force in the late 1960s to replace the cancelled TSR.2 but was then itself cancelled at great expense amid nationwide controversy to which a whole chapter is dedicated in this publication. This new Warpaint title explains the F-111's development, service history, failures and successes, in all its versions with both USAF and RAAF, with full text, specification and squadron tables and more than 180 photos, most of which are in colour. This book is written by Charles Stafrace and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana. [EF-111A Raven F-111A F-111A/F-111B F-111C F-111C/G F-111D / F-111E F-111D/F F-111F F-111G] More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £23.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS106 - No Scale | Sikorsky S-55 Chickasaw and Westland Whirlwind The S-55 was deemed to be the first completely successful design for helicopter entrepreneur Igor Sikorsky, the type first entering service with all three United States services in the early 1950s Korean War years and going into mass production, seeing service with vast number of countries worldwide. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £19.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS112 - No Scale | Douglas A3D Skywarrior. by Charles Stafrace Never glamorous and not receiving the recognition showered on its deck mates, the shipboard Douglas A3D Skywarrior will be remembered by U.S. Navy fans and historians for many reasons, most of all because it figured prominently in the Cold War crises of the late 1950s and early 1960s, culminating in the Vietnam War that dragged on until the mid-1970s. The Skywarrior will also be remembered for its longevity, the first examples having shared deck space with FJ Furies aboard Second World War-vintage carriers in the 1950s, and the last examples mingling with F-14 Tomcats on nuclear-powered Nimitz Class carriers in 1987. However, this magnificent aircraft, affectionately known as the 'Whale', achieved fame in roles different from that for which it had been designed. After its strategic nuclear bomber role faded owing to changed U.S. Navy and Pentagon policies, the Skywarrior excelled in other roles entrusted to it such as aerial tanking and electronic jamming, electronic and photoreconnaissance, vital tasks which it carried out faithfully in the first line of battle for several years from 1965 onwards. Indeed, the RA-3B version was also used during the 1991 Operation Desert Storm. Some examples were converted into bombardier trainers and VIP staff transports, while others found their way to experimental establishments and aerospace companies as testbeds for various systems and weaponry until 2011, resulting in many strange nose shapes and radomes. The Skywarrior will be recorded, too, as being the heaviest jet aircraft to ever operate from any U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. It served with several types of squadrons - VAH, VAQ, VAK, VAP/VCP, VQ and VR. All versions and squadrons, both shipboard and land-based, are listed in this new Warpaint series by Guideline Publications, written by Charles Stafrace and illustrated by Richard J Caruana. Apart from the usual detailed text that describes each version and its operational service, several other tables are included in this profile, including production serials, versions lists, squadron use and Appendices giving detailed data on each Skywarrior cruise, specifications, and the 1962 type re-designation of U.S. Navy aircraft. No fewer than 200 B&W and colour photos, many of which are being published for the first time, illustrate the various versions of this versatile aircraft. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £19.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS113 - No Scale | Panavia Tornado ADV by Des Brennan The Tornado F.3 spent just over twenty-three years in frontline operational service with the Royal Air Force compared to a similar period for air-defence Phantoms, and twenty-eight years for the Lightning. While every operational Tornado F.3 unit bar 25 Squadron had been operating one of those aircraft types before transitioning to the F.3 only 29 (as OCU) and 11 Squadrons along with 1435 Flight would move forward from Tornado onto the Eurofighter Typhoon. And of them only the latter transitioned directly without a break in service. Its entry-to-service was not, just like many other types before and since, particularly smooth especially with regard to its Foxhunter radar, however once the initial problems were resolved it went on to possess and deliver an outstanding BVR CAP capability. It was not and was never intended to be one of the 'dogfighters' it was often erroneously compared with, and through the design compromise with the IDS variants was undeniably more suited to a low/mid-level environment. Despite this and with the ever growing constraints on RAF budgets and concomitant growing demands on the Tornado F.3 throughout its service, the skills and dedication of its air and ground crews along with the expertise of the British aviation industry ensured that the aircraft more than excelled in all that was asked of it. Perhaps most tellingly the Tornado F.3/ADV was taken into combat by all three operators, with the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia over Iraq and by the United Kingdom and Italy over the Balkans. In both theatres the opposing regimes had proven records of manipulating propaganda and were forever alert to exploit any imagined weakness as some armchair Air Marshals would have had the F.3/ADV to be. Yet while all three operators faced threats from ground defences, on not one occasion did any hostile force attempt get close enough to expose itself to the real and present threat posed by the Tornado F.3 ADV. This book is written by Des Brennan and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £16.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS120 - No Scale | Mikoyan-Gurevich MIG-15. Long overdue in the Warpaint range, the MiG-15 is one of the most important and influential aircraft to come out of the early years of the Cold War and was to see active service in a wide range of theatres and with a great many Soviet client states. The MiG-15 was a jet fighter aircraft developed by Mikoyan-Gurevich for the Soviet Union and was one of the first successful jet fighters to incorporate swept wings to achieve high transonic speeds. In combat over Korea, it outclassed straight-winged jet day fighters, which were largely relegated to ground-attack roles, and was quickly countered by the similar American swept-wing North-American F-86 Sabre. The MiG-15 is often mentioned, along with the F-86 Sabre, as the best fighter aircraft of the Korean War. The MiG-15 is believed to have been one of the most produced jet aircraft ever, with in excess of 13,000 manufactured. Licensed foreign production may have raised the production total to almost 18,000. This latest addition to the Warpaint list by Nikolay Yakubovich has been sourced direct from Russian sources and includes a great many rare or previously unpublished photographs collated by the author, along with accurate scale drawings and colour profiles by Andrey Yurgenson. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £16.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS126 - No Scale | Grumman F-14 Tomcat By Charles Stafrace. The US Navy embarked on the VFX fighter programme when it became obvious that the weight, engine and manoeuvrability issues plaguing F-111B, the naval variant of the Tactical Fighter Experimental (TFX), would not be resolved to the Navy's satisfaction. The Navy requirement was for a fleet air defence fighter whose primary role was intercepting Soviet bombers before they could launch missiles against the carrier battle group. The Navy strenuously opposed the TFX, which incorporated the US Air Force's requirements for a low-level attack aircraft that were not required by the Navy. Grumman came up with a solution in the form of their F-14 Tomcat, a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing aircraft. But what made the Tomcat head and shoulders above all other fighters was its AWG-9 weapons control radar married to the superlative AIM-54A Phoenix air-to-air missile. The Tomcat was all the US Navy required, and the F-111B episode was soon forgotten. The F-14A was the first version of the Tomcat, and it entered US Navy service in 1972 with VF-1 and VF-2 and first deployed overseas on USS Enterprise in 1974, gradually replacing the later versions of the F-4 Phantom on the US carriers' decks. The F-14A served only with one foreign air force, the Imperial Iranian Air Force which, after the 1978 revolution, came to be known as the Iranian Islamic Iranian Air Force. The Tomcat's role in Iran's war against Iraq from 1980 to 1988 is explained in detail. The Iranian, in its locally-improvised versions, is still in service. The F-14A version of the Tomcat inherited not only the AWG-9/AIM-54 system from the ill-fated F-111B but also its troublesome TF30 engine. In the US Navy it was only when the F-14B was re-engined with the more powerful and more reliable F-110-GE-400, as was also the F-14D, that the Tomcat really showed its true potential in the air. The Tomcat went on to serve on all US carriers of the Forrestal and Kitty Hawk Models Class of carriers and on all nuclear powered carriers built until 2006, the year when the Tomcat was retired from service. During the years it spent on deck, the Tomcat, in its F-14A, F-14B and F-14D versions, participated in all US interventions of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Horn of Africa, and distinguished itself not only as an interceptor fighter, but later also as a ground support and reconnaissance aircraft when the need for these two new roles were needed and when equipped with the LANTIRN and TARPS systems. The Tomcat's story was immortalised by the Hollywood production that made 'Tomcat' and 'Top Gun' household names, but in real life the Tomcat was truly a confirmed 'MiG-killer' and a 'Sukhoi-killer' in encounters with hostile Libyan opposition. Its exit from the US Navy scene in 2006 was a controversial one, as the aircraft was still considered a valuable asset to the fleet. However, its astronomical maintenance hours per flight hours and its ageing systems compared with the newer F/A-18 Hornet worked against it. All this is explained in detail in this new Warpaint title, a 124-page account of America's most famous fighter of recent times, that contains no fewer than 280 photos, ten pages of colour profiles, scale plans, fourteen information tables and a text that give exact details of every squadrons, details of all deployments with carrier, CVW, dates and destination, conversions to later versions, and many other information as now expected from titles by author Charles Stafrace, supported by superb artwork by John Fox. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £25.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS127 - No Scale | Cessna T-37 A/B/C 'Tweet' and the A-37A/B 'Dragonfly' By Kev Darling When USAF went searching for a new jet trainer in the early 1950's to replace the Lockheed T-33, it came as a great surprise to all when Cessna, best known for producing light aircraft, actually won the competition. Little did anyone realise that the T-37, the new training aircraft's designation, would stay in service for fifty years. Along the way the fleet had many rebuilds and is reckoned to have conservatively trained over 500,000 pilots to wings standard. Along the way it garnered many nicknames including 'Tweet, Tweety Bird' and the 'Screaming Dog Whistle'. Had the conflict in Vietnam been avoided this might of been the end of the line for the multi coloured trainer. As America became more involved with the conflict in South East Asia USAF was on a buying spree for all of the latest all singing, all dancing fighter attack aircraft. However, despite their supersonic capability and state of the art avionics these mighty behemoths were not suited to the close air support role. The answer would be to recall some stored early T-37's from the boneyard at Davis-Monthan and in consultation with Cessna turn the 'Tweet' into an attack aircraft. Few high tech gizmo's were needed although the new fighter would sport a minigun in the nose. Pylons were added under the strengthened wings, tip tanks, from the T-37C, were added and engines with a bit more grunt were fitted. The designated unit destined to fly the A-37A 'Dragonfly ' was the 8th Special Operations Squadron. Such was their dedication that a shack on the bombing range was used a measuring point for bombing accuracy. They knew they had succeeded when one pilot blew up the Shack exclaiming the 'SHACK' call over the radio very loudly. The A-37A was soon followed by the 'B' model that was vastly improved and went onto serve globally for many years especially in Latin American countries where a few linger on. This book is written by Kev Darling and is supported with artwork by John Fox. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £20.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS133 - No Scale | Douglas C-47 Skytrain/Dakota By Adrian M. Balch When the prototype Douglas DC-3 " actually a DST Douglas Sleeper Transport first flew from Clover Field, Santa Monica, California on Sunday 17 December 1935, Donald Wills Douglas never imagined that the production run would total more than 10,000, with more licence built in Russia and Japan, let alone many would be still be flying 86 years later, the C-47 being perpetuated by turbo-prop conversions, seeing the type probably still flying to see its 100th anniversary! Arguably the most famous transport aircraft of all time, the DC-3 and C-47 has been operated by just about every country in the world in service with their airlines and military air arms. This Warpaint has not skimped on the colour schemes and markings used by military operators, the C-47 being named by the USAAF as the Skytrain and the RAF and Commonwealth countries as the Dakota, both names being adopted worldwide. This lavish and extensive Warpaint by author Adrian Balch includes over 300 photographs of military C-47s, nearly all in colour, accompanied by 10 pages of colour profiles by artist Sam Pearson making this the most comprehensive reference to colours and markings for modellers and historians on the type to date. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £25.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS139 - No Scale | de Havilland (Canada) DHC-2 Beaver By Adrian M. Balch. The de_Havilland_Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engine high-wing propeller-driven short take off and landing (STOL) aircraft developed and manufactured by de Havilland Canada. It has been mainly operated as a bush plane and has been used for a wide variety of utility roles, such as cargo and passenger hauling, aerial application (crop dusting and aerial topdressing), and civil aviation duties. It has been used by military armed forces in a variety of roles worldwide and has seen conflict in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Production lasted 20 years and when it finally ceased in 1967, a total of 1,657 DHC-2 Beavers had been constructed since the first flight in 1947. The Beaver was designed for flight in rugged and remote areas of the world and today hundreds of Beavers are still flyingaâé-"many of them heavily modified to adapt to changes in technology and needs. This is the second de_Havilland_Canada type in the Warpaint Series written by author Adrian Balch with over 100 rare photographs from his extensive archives, nearly all in col-our and many never seen before, supported once again by excellent colour profiles and drawings by artist Sam Pearson. With the Airfix Beaver kit recently reissued, this is a must for modellers of the type and aviation historians alike as this is the first comprehensive publication published on this type in so much detail. Warpaint No.139 de Havilland (Canada) DHC-2 Beaver Author: Adrian M. Balch 56 pages Over 12 pages Colour Profiles 150 Images Detailed plans More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £18.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS140 - No Scale | North-American OV-10 Bronco written by Mike Verier The full story of the first true Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, the OV-10 Bronco, still flying operationally after nearly six decades of service, is told here for the first time in a bumper 104-page Warpaint. Detailed first-hand information gathered over many years has enabled the author to bring together the many facets of this remarkably versatile aircraft including pre-cursors, competitors and prototypes, through Vietnam and combat service with some eleven US and foreign Air Arms, and its part in the development of modern precision weapons, to its astonishing array of uses since. These include fighting drug cartels in Columbia, fires in California, mosquitos in South Carolina, and ISIS in Northern Iraq. Also, finally covered in full and accurate detail are the German 'jet' Broncos. The world's largest restoration project and current training of US and NATO JTACS bring the story up to date. De-classified information has made it possible to detail for the first time all the long-nose D model conversions and all the Broncos that served in Desert Storm, their preparation, the epic trans-continental deployment of one squadron by air, and the key role played by the Broncos during the war. The detailed and revealing narrative is copiously illustrated throughout with fully captioned photographs - many previously unseen- and backed by personal accounts, Individual aircraft histories, airframe lists, scale plans and specially commissioned art work with comprehensive colour scheme information. Warpaint 140 North-American/Rockwell OV-10A/OV-10B Author: Mike Verier Content: 104 pages More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £28.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS146 - No Scale | Grumman A-6 Intruder & EA-6B Prowler By Andy Evans The US Navy's experience in the Korean War showed the need for a new long-range strike aircraft with high subsonic performance at very low altitude that could penetrate enemy defences and find and destroy small targets in any weather. The Grumman A-6 Intruder was designed with these needs in mind and was a true bomb truck. From the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq the Intruder proved its worth, able to catty a plethora of weaponry and pack a mighty punch. From the Intruder airframe the KA-6D tanker variant was derived, along with the specialised EA-6A Intruder and then the EA-6B Prowler, a sophisticated four-seat electronic warfare variant, packed with jamming equipment and electronics. Like the A-6, the Prowler was used by both the Navy and Marine Corps. After nearly thirty-seven years and with 693 airframes constructed, on February 28, 1997, VA-34 the Blue Blasters, retired the Navy's last operational A-6E Intruders. The Navy retired its Prowlers in 2015, however, the Marines Corps carried on flying the EA-6B into the early months of 2019. Warpaint 146 is packed full of all the usual historical and reference material, with walkarounds of both Prowler and Intruder, colour artwork by Sam Pearson, and a well-paced narrative that places this essential aircraft in context and showcases its role in US naval operations over nearly sixty years. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £19.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS66 - No Scale | Bristol Bulldog Mk.II Although there were only ten squadrons equipped with the Bristol Bulldog during the drastic cut back of RAF fighter strength following World War 1, they were certainly the most colourful. Each unit had its identification colours shown on the fuselage and upper wing surfaces and squadron and flight commanders had individual colours on the tail unit. But that was not all. As new squadron commanders took over at the end of a tour of duty of their predecessors, they made changes to the squadron markings making this period one of the most colourful and perhaps controversial of all the pre-war squadron markings. The history of the Bulldog is also of considerable interest as it was exported or built under licence in a number of overseas countries thus adding to the profusion of colour schemes of that period. Richard J.Caruana has detailed the history of the Bulldog and given a great variety of colour schemes that were used. In fact this Warpaint can be said to have more colour side view drawings than most others of its size in the series. Centre spread drawings show the variations that were built at both home and overseas and there is a list of all squadrons and units with representative serial numbers plus a list of available kits and decals that have been produced over the years. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £12.50 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS84 - No Scale | Grumman F6F Hellcat. Even before Pearl Harbor the U.S. Navy realised that it would be hard for its existing fighters, the F2A Buffalo and F4F Wildcat, to deal with Japan's shipboard fighters, especially the A6M Zero. The situation was such that in June 1941 the U.S. Navy placed orders with Grumman 's 'Iron Works' for the F6F Hellcat before the first prototype had even flown. It was the right decision for Grumman 's new fighter, although much larger and heavier than the Zero, proved to be the latter's nemesis, so that the American fighter's better fire-power, sturdiness, range and speed more than matched the Zero's agility. Its entry into service was also timely, for the much- awaited F4U Corsair suffered from a flawed carrier deck capability, so that the Hellcat remained the main carrier fighter of the U.S. Navy throughout the rest of the Second World War and established air superiority in the Pacific. Indeed, in barely two years of war it destroyed no less than 5,271 enemy aircraft of the 6,477 claimed by the U.S. fighters, attaining a fantastic kill-to-loss ratio of 19.1:1, and fully deserving the nickname of 'Ace-Maker'. It certainly was the most important Allied shipboard fighter of that world conflict. The Hellcat was used also by the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, during the war, while in the postwar period it saw service with the French Aeronavale, which used them in Indochina, as well as with the Uruguayan Navy, the latter flying them until 1961. [F6F-3 F6F-5 F6F-3N F6F-5N] More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £16.50 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPS87 - No Scale | Grumman TBF Avenger. No. 87 in the Warpaint series by Charles Stafrace Without doubt the Grumman Avenger was the most successful torpedo-bomber of the Second World War, and certainly one of the wartime aircraft that could most sustain punishment and yet make it back to base. Built by both Grumman under its TBF designation and by Eastern Division of General Motors under the TBM designation, no less than 9,837 examples were constructed until production ceased in August 1945. The Avenger saw action in all theatres of the Second World War with the United States Navy and Marine Corps, Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, and by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Despite its designated role of torpedo-bomber, the Avenger was more commonly used in roles other than dropping tin-fish. It bombed, laid mines, gave ground support, directed drones, hunted submarines, and in the postwar period was employed as a personnel carrier, bulk carrier, airborne early warning, Carrier On-board Delivery, and other tasks by the major navies as well as by other air forces and naval air arms. It is also significant that after the last Avengers left Fleet Air Arm service in 1946, the Royal Navy again found a useful role for the aircraft for antisubmarine tasks in 1953. The U.S. Navy even needed its last examples of Avengers for specialized tasks during the Korean War. No doubt, carrying out these diverse tasks for so many years in a difficult environment was made possible by the Avenger design's adaptability to change, and thanks to the traditional strength of its Grumman airframe. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £17.00 | ||
Warpaint Series - WPSSP02 - None | Messerschmitt Bf-109. When it comes to famous aircraft of the 20th Century, one that is sure to come to the top of the list is the Messerschmitt Bf-109. With a career spanning nearly 20 years and over 30.000 examples of being built the Messerschmitt Bf-109 is probably the most recognised of all the World War 2 fighters. Ironically this German fighter started and ended its life being powered by British engines. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £25.00 | ||
Albatros Productions - WSWW08 - No Scale | Building the Wingnut Wings Hannover Cl.II Albatros Productions have just published the eighth title in their acclaimed Modelling Special series. For all those serious enthusiasts seeking to get the very best from this excellent kit, WWI aero-historian and author Ray Rimell brings over 60 years of modelling experience to present a truly comprehensive guide for creating a perfect miniature in 54 colourful and inspiring pages. Profusely illustrated with over 190 images, his unique monograph carries an extensive build- log of WNW's Hannover kit with extended coverage on painting and decal application helping modellers to achieve a realistic and convincing finish. Each stage of the assembly is discussed in meticulous step-by-step detail with supportive archive photos and contemporary sketches along the way. Every key aspect is featured, from super-detailing cockpits, Argus engine, armament and observer's gun ring, to specialized treatment of 'lozenge' fabric covering and creating masks for the complex fuselage camouflage pattern. In addition there are nine new colour profiles from Ronny Bar including a multi-view centre-spread, along with a 12 page gallery of rare wartime images, most previously unpublished and reproduced to large area format highlighting the smallest of details. For modellers looking to convert the kit to Cl.III or Cl.IIIa variants, the book covers that too with 1:32 scale fuselage drawings of both aircraft. With comprehensive after -market accessory and decals listings, plus a jargon-buster and an extensive bibliography, the latest Special is a goldmine of modelling lore and full-size data for these famous German WWI two-seaters. Whilst the focus of attention is naturally on the WNW kit, this high-quality publication will also prove equally invaluable for those building model Hannovers to any scale. More | Aircraft books | Catalogue | £26.00 | ||
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