Revell RV5631

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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]

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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.

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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

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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