Test Models TEST-CHEAP

How to Build Tamiya's Aircraft, is the latest addition to this popular series of modelling titles and as such, offers the enthusiast plenty of inspirational builds, hints, tips and techniques to enjoy. Within the book's 84 pages you will find features on the de Havilland Mosquito, McDonnell F-4 Phantom, Focke-Wulf Fw-190, Heinkel He-162, Bristol Beaufighter, Ilyushin IL-2, Vought F4U Corsair and Supermarine Spitfire, features created by expert modellers, keen to show you what is possible from Tamiya's range of excellent kits. 'How To Build Tamiya's Aircraft' The perfect addition to your library and your workbench! (designed to be used with Tamiya kits) [Fw-190A-3 Fw-190A-8 Fw-190A-8R2 Fw-190D-9 Fw-190F-8 Fw-190F-9 / Mk.VI NF Mk.II Mk.IV PR Mk.IV NF Mk.XIII Mk.XVII F4U-1 F4U-1D F4U F4U-1A F4U-1/2 F4U-1D Heinkel He-162A-2 F-4E F-4J Il-2 Mk.VI TF Mk.X Mk.IXc. Mk.VIII Mk.XVIe Mk.I Mk.V Mk.Vb][ADH code ADH058]

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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 é© 2024 Echelon Fine Details. Website created by Wittmann Goh. [Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E]

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Ukrainian Crisis (starting with the Conflict in Crimea) The Ukrainian Crisis saw the greatest use of the T-64BV tank in combat. It is the mainstay of the Ukrainian army and land forces. A number were captured and reused againsts its previous owner. This set covers markings of both sides since the start of the conflict. The Ukrainian BTR-80s usually feature the "parachute" emblem along with the standard tactical markings and battle stripes to distinguish themselves from the oppositions. A few were uniquely painted with unit markings - such as the one in this set. The opposition forces had a lot of standard and non-standard unit markings, as they were quickly applied and resent back into the battlefield. They also fielded a variety of tanks, not of Ukrainian origins (sources unknown/unconfirmed). Among these were T-72B1 with ERA and T-72B3. A few of the T-72B1 markings are also included in this set. PDF instructions.

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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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CAMERA ON 20 3.7 FLAK 18/36/37 Authors Alan Ranger Format A4, 80 pages This latest photo album in the ""Camera On"" series is the first to cover an anti-aircraft weapon alone and whilst there have been a few books previously covering medium German 37mm Flak weapons, the 37 mm Flak 18/36/37 has never been covered in such photographic depth. This truly historically significant World War II weapon (along with the other German 37 mm weapons it evolved into) are illustrated in over 160 photographs. Nearly all of the images are from the author's collection that were originally taken by ordinary German soldiers not professional propagandists. The book shows this rarely illustrated equipment in detail but still shows it as the soldiers viewed it - as both their work place and in some cases also their home - not the highly posed and polished views of the official photographers.

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SCHWERER GELƒÆ'aâé-zNDEGƒÆ'aâé-zRGIGER PERSONENKRAFTWAGEN AND SUCCESSORS Camera On series #27 Alan Ranger This latest photo-album in the "Camera On" series contains 140 photographs of a broad selection of Germany's heavy off-road passenger vehicles in operation with the Wehrmacht during World War II. It includes both the Schwerer Gelƒ¤ndegƒ¤ngiger Personenkraftwagen and its successors, the Horch 108 type 1 and its licensed-built Ford type EG equivalents as well as the heavy cars built on light truck chassis such as the Styer 1500 and Mercedes 1500A & S types. This book contains over 140 images of German heavy passenger cars photographed in operation in the conditions they had to work in. This volume illustrates these vehicles as the soldiers themselves viewed them in both their working environment and indeed in many cases the homes they had to live in, not the highly polished and sanitized views of the official photographers. The result is an invaluable reference for military historians and modellers * Camera On: a new series of books on the equipment and operations of the German Wehrmacht in WW2.

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Dassault-Mirage III/V (Spotlight On No.19) JP Vieira. This book is the latest in a new reference series for aircraft modellers called "Spotlight On" and presents detailed colour illustrations of the iconic Mirage III and 5, a French Cold War-era jet fighter aircraft. It was the first Western European combat aircraft to exceed Mach 2 in horizontal flight. The book contains 40 colour plan and profile views of the camouflage, colours and markings, including examples not only in French service, but also a variety of foreign users, including Israel.

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Vought SB2U Vindicator by Steve Ginter with Joe Weathers, Jr. 248-pages, 89-color photos, 22-duotone photos, 506 b&w photos and 25-drawings. The Vought SB2U Vindicator Scout Bomber was the Navy's second production carrier monoplane to fly after the Douglas TBD and for a time was the fastest aircraft in the Navy's inventory. The extremely clean aircraft was a unique blend of the old stick-and-rudder fabric covered construction and that of the new all-metal monoplanes that followed. About half the aircraft was metal skined and half fabric covered and each fuselage structure was individually hand made from steel tubing. The SB2U was built in three models. The very simular SB2U-1 and SB2U-2 for the US Navy, and the long range SB2U-3 for the Marines. Aircraft were also supplied to France and the United Kingdom and are covered in the book. Equipped with folding wings and capable of carrying a 1,000 lb bomb, they were in service from 1938 to 1943. By the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, the Navy Vindicators had all been assigned to the Atlantic fleet, but the Marine SB2U-3 were on the East Coast and at Pearl Harbor and aboard the Lexington for delivery to Midway. The VMSB-241 Vindicators at Midway saw the planes only combat on 4-to-6 June 1942 during the Battle of Midway and Henderson Field was named after the squadron CO who lost his life during the squadron's attack on the Japanese fleet on 4 June. Maj Hendersons replacement Maj Norris was also lost on 4 June during the squadron's 2nd attack. On 5 june, Capt Fleming was also lost during his attack on the cruiser Mikumo, for which he received the Medal of Honor for his actions. This book has extensive first person narative from Vought test pilots and USN/USMC pilots as well as the French V-156-F commander gathered by Joe Weathers in 1966 through 1974 when their minds were still sharp and their memories strong. All of which are gone today. A truly interesting read.

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BIRTH OF A LEGEND McDONNELL F4H-1 PHANTOM II 185-pages, 69-color photos, 251-b&w photos, 127-illustrations. In late 1953, McDonnell Aircraft made an unsolicited proposal to the U.S. Navy for a big, carrier-based, supersonic, "All-Weather Attack Fighter". After not much more than a cursory review, it was rejected. That inauspicious beginning subsequently resulted in one of the world's best known jet fighters, the F-4H/F-4 Phantom. This book covers the 1st 47 F4H-1/F-4A aircraft. This monograph by highly regarded U.S. Naval aircraft historian Tommy H. Thomason documents in well-illustrated detail how the Phantom came to be, including previously unpublished information about the Bureau of Aeronautics evaluation in 1954 of unsolicited proposals from other manufacturers competing for the Navy's fighter business that resulted in the award of a development contract to McDonnell for the AH-1; the conflict within the Navy over the decision to convert it to a all missile-armed, fleet-air-defense fighter, the F4H; and the fly-off between the F4H and the Vought F8U-3. Also illustrated in three-view drawings and photographs are the evolution of the configuration from the proposal to the final one that took flight in 1958. The most significant steps in the process of designing , developing, and evaluating the Phantom in the late 1950s are highlighted, with a discussion and depictions of the most significant new technology incorporated and the changes that rested. A description of each of the flights that resulted in records and two that tragically didn't is included. At least one photograph is provided of each of the first 47 F4Hs, along with a summary history of each one from its first flight to the circumstances of its withdrawal from service and the location of the 10 known survivors. Other sections provide a matrix by Bureau Number of configurations, cockpit and technical illustrations of interest to modelers, a summary of model kits/conversions available, and color photographs of notable F4Hs and test pilots. cover NF108 ads.jpg Naval Fighters Number 108

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McDonnell-Douglas C-9A 'Nightingale'/C-9B 'Skytrain II' By Steve Ginter 96-Pages, Almost all color: the book has 178 color photos, 26 b&w photos, 27 color patches, 35 illustrations. The iconic Douglas DC-9 airliner was chosen by the USAF for a aeromedical evacuation and VIP transport aircraft as the C-9A and VC-9C respectively and by the US Navy/USMC as a passenger/cargo aircraft as the C-9B. 21 C-9As and 3 VC-9Cs were built for the USAF, while 17 C-9Bs were built for the USN/USMC as well as 14 ex-civil airliners that were leased and or purchased by the Navy. Many of the purchased DC-9s were converted to C-9B standards with the addition of a large cargo loading door on the forward left-hand side of the fuselage. A 32nd C-9B was purchased through the Navy but operated by the US government and later by Ratheon as a NC-9D. Two other C-9Bs were purchased through the Navy for Kuwait and one Navy C-9B was transferred to NASA as the "Vomit Comet" negative G test vehicle.

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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.

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Grumman F6F Hellcat. The Grumman F6F Hellcat was a carrier-based fighter aircraft developed to replace the earlier F4F Wildcat in United States Navy (USN) service. Although the F6F resembled the Wildcat, it was a completely new design powered by a 2,000 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800. Some tagged it as the 'Wildcat's big brother'. First 60 pages are about the development & testing written by the late Corky Myers. The day to day operational history of were and with what squadron the Hellcat served with. 224 pages of history and photos

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Curtiss XP-55 Ascender By Gerry Balzer, 72-pages, 148-b&w photos, 4-color photos. The Curtiss XP-55 Ascender was a tailless swept-wing WWII pusher fighter design born out by the USAAC 1940 fighter competition. The USAAC was looking for a fighter to counter the threat of the German Bf-109 and the Japanese Zero and replace the obsolete P-35s, P-36s and the front line P-40s just entering service. From this competition three unusual pusher prototypes were ordered, the Consolidated XP-54, Curtiss XP-55, and the Northrop XP-56. A low powered full scale flying model (model CW 24B)was built out of wood and cloth to substantiate the flying qualities, and was first flown on 2 December 1941. The XP-55 mock-up was completed in August 1942, and the first of three XP-55s was completed on 26 June 1943 with its first flight being conducted on 13 July 1943. The first aircraft was destroyed on 15 November 1943. Changes deemed necessary were incorporated in the second airframe in which performance testing began on 16 September 1944. Although the much more capable P-38, P-47, and P-51 had entered service, research into the XP-55s unusual design continued. The third XP-55 had entered flight testing in April 1944 and was used at Eglin Field for armament tests before being lost during a war bond rally display on 27 May 1945. By then the program had been terminated. Today, the second XP-55 presides in restored condition at the Kalamazoo Air Museum.

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Lockheed XF-90 Penetration Fighter By William Simone. 68-pages, including 21-pages of color. 212 B&W photos, 68 color photos, and 90 illustrations. Created by the famous Lockheed "Skunks Works" and highly publicized at the start of the 1950s, the futuristic XF-90 seemed to epitomize what a supersonic fighter ought to look like. I was one of the first Air Force jets to be equipped with afterburners and the first Lockheed aircraft to exceed the speed of sound. Its handsome good looks captured the public's imagination. Even the creators of the popular Blackhawk comic book series adopted the XF-90 as its hero's jet fighter of choice. The text covers the design criteria of the 1945 penetration fighter request-for-proposal and the 8 companies that submitted proposals. Lockheed made over 60 design studies for the XF-90 which included delta wings, V-tails, forward swept wings, variable sweep wings, and Navy proposals, many of which are discussed in the book. The text goes on to describe its development and testing and flight testing at Muroc/Edwards AFB by Tony LeVeir, Lockeed's chief test pilot. Also included is an extensive history (14-pages) of the second XF-90's involvement in the nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site and its subsequent retrieval. Additionally, 2-pages are devoted to Blackhawks and 9-pages to XF-90 models.

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North-American B-45 Tornado. 264-pages (13-pages of color). 90,000 words, over 450 images. Author Geof Hays. This 264-page book about the North-American B-45 is generously illustrated with 267 drawings, 355 photos, of which 15 are color aircraft images, and color drawings of 33 insignia of units which flew the Tornado. The book is presented in 12 chapters detailing B-45A, B-45C and RB-45C design, production, performance, payload, endurance and operations as it served as a bomber, reconnaissance and flight test aircraft. The author delves into the technological difficulties, lack of operational assignments, and politics which plagued the first third of the Tornado's career, from 1947 through 1950. He then presents the Tornado's more demanding and highly successful career from 1952 through 1958, which saw this turbojet develop into a fully combat capable aircraft using an entirely new field of weapons and carrying out a new and essential element of reconnaissance. The author includes the tail numbers of RB-45Cs assigned to Yokota AB, Japan who flew combat missions during the Korean war, and highly classified covert missions following the Korean War. Configurations, colors and marking of aircraft assigned to units at Yokota AB, Japan are provided as well. Mission details, tail numbers, and markings for aircraft supporting NATO from the UK, such as RB-45Cs which flew Peripheral Aerial Reconnaissance Program missions or PARPRO in Europe. For the first time, serial numbers of all armed RB-45s in the Far East Air Forces and US Air Forces in Europe are covered. And critically important sorties flown by allied personnel over denied territory deep into eastern Europe and the Soviet Union in 1952 and 1954 are also covered in detail. A separate detailed table presents a list and facts of all known accidents. Scale models of the B-45 Tornado from 1956 to the present day are presented with pictures of the boxes and a review of each kit. Geoffrey Hays is a retired USAF officer, Museum professional and the respected author of Ginter Books' sell out title, Air Force Legends No. 215, the Boeing B-50. As with the B-50 book, he once again presents here a detailed, accurate and highly readable history of the USAF's first multiengine turbojet bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the North-American B-45 Tornado.

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North-American YF-93A Penetration Fighter Air Force Legends 227 By William Simone 52-pages, 4-color and 87-b&w photos, with 39 draqwings. North-American's oft-forgotten YF-93A (NA-157) was an advanced version of the F-86A Sabre day fighter designed for the penetration fighter reqirement. It was originally designated the F-86C and was designed around NACA flush inlets and a 8,000 lb thrust J48 afterburning engine with three times the fuel of the F-86A, which gave it extremely long range. The two other penetration fighter candidates (the XF-88 and XF-90) had flown much earlier than the YF-93. All three types were not developed beyond the prototypes as the penetration fighter requirement was dropped by the Air Force. The aircraft sported F-86-style wings and tail mated to a new beffy fuselage with added electronics and 6-20mm cannon. The increased weight of the design led to a redesigned and strengthened dual-wheel main undercarrige. Only two-aircraft were built and the NACA flush intakes were replaced on ship one with conventional ram intakes resulting in increased overall performance. After retirement the two YF-93As were utilized at Moffett Field, CA, for further NACA testing before being scrapped.

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F-16 Fighting Falcon US Part 1 US Versions by Andy Evans Real To Replicas Red series Number 1 The Real to Replica book series presents, as the title suggests, a publication that has both historic references, aircraft details, colour artwork and modelling projects on a particular aviation subject. Titles will include subjects from World War I through to present day and written by renown authors. F-16 Fighting Falcon Part 1: US VERSIONS by Andy Evans The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it has evolved into a highly successful all-weather multirole aircraft, and over 4,600 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. Although no longer being purchased by the USAF, improved variants continue to be built for export customers, up to and including the latest F-16V 'Viper' version. The Fighting Falcon's key features include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while manouvering, an ejection seat reclined thirty-degrees from vertical to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of the relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system, that helps to make it an agile aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and eleven locations for mounting weapons and other mission equipment and can carry fuselage mounted conformal fuel tanks and a variety of targeting pods and ECM equipment. The F-16's official name is 'Fighting Falcon', but 'Viper' is most commonly used by its pilots and crews, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the 'Colonial Viper' starfighter on the TV show Battlestar Galactica which aired at the time the F-16 entered service. In addition to active duty in the US Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units, the aircraft is also used by the 'Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration team, and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy. The F-16 has also been procured to serve in the air forces of over twenty-five other nations. The initial production-standard F-16A flew for the first time on 7 August 1978 and its delivery was accepted by the USAF on 6 January 1979, entering USAF operational service with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB in Utah on 1 October 1980. The US Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, flew the F-16 in combat during Operation 'Desert Storm' in 1991 and in the Balkans later in the 1990s. F-16s also patrolled the no-fly zones in Iraq during Operations 'Northern Watch' and 'Southern Watch' and served during the wars in Afghanistan (Operation 'Enduring Freedom') and Iraq (Operation 'Iraqi Freedom') from 2001 and 2003 respectively and Air Force F-16s took part in the intervention in Libya. In this book, Part 1 of the F-16 story, we will look at the origins of the F-16 and its service with the US Air Force and US Navy, as well as the different variants, proposed versions, test platforms and sub-types of the aircraft. Part 2 of the F-16 story will look at the International Versions and their operators and both will include colour artwork and how to model the F-16 in popular scales. [General-Dynamics Lockheed-Martin]

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Lockheed P-38 LIGHTNING IN ACTION (Softcover) David Doyle: The book traces the development and combat history of the twin-engine, twin-boom, Lockheed P-38 Lightning from the first flight of the XP-38 in January1939 through a succession of models, ending with the electronic-laden, two-seat P-38M. Created on the drawing boards of two of America's most notable aircraft designers - Hall Hibbard and Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson - the P-38 Lightning was the only U.S. pursuit plane to remain in continuous production throughout WWII. In the Southwestern Pacific, the P-38 served as the U.S.Army Air Force's primary long-range fighter prior to the arrival of the P-51D Mustang. Top American air aces and Medal-of-Honor winners Richard Bong and Thomas McGuire both flew Lightning's, and it was a P-38 that brought down Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's plane in April 1943. The Lightning saw service in Europe too, and it was after flying a P-38 to assess the progress of the Normandy Invasion in 1944, that U.S. Lt. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle referred to the Lightning as "the sweetest-flying plane in the sky." Illustrated with more than 150 period photographs, a third of them rare original color photos, plus color profiles and detailed line drawings.[P-38F/G]

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General-Dynamics F-111 AARDVARK IN ACTION (Softcover) The F-111, which ultimately proved to be a very capable fighter-bomber for the US and Australian Air Forces, was born out of the desire of Secretary of Defense Robert Strange McNamara to force the USAF and the Navy to use a single aircraft for all tactical missions strike, close air support, air superiority and fleet air defense. The initial effort, called the Tactical Fighter Experimental, or TFX, was based largely on the Air Forces requirements, with a few adaptations to approximate the Navy's desires. The initial Air Force version of the aircraft would be the F-111A, while the Navy variant was the F-111B. Although General Dynamics was the prime contractor, the company had little recent experience in building carrier-borne aircraft, and turned to Grumman as a subcontractor for the assembly and testing of the Navy planes. The F-111 itself, the first production variable wing geometry aircraft, would have a remarkable 30+ year service history. During that time the aircraft was produced in five models, and modified and rebuilt into three additional models. Illustrated with over 200 color and B/W photos. 80 pages [F-111A F-111B F-111C EF-111]

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AD-08 The Gotha Go 229 - A Technical Guide by Richard A. Franks [Horten Ho-229] Late war Luftwaffe subjects are extremely popular and with the kit choices now available in most scales it seems right to produce a title on this particular type. Our eighth title in the Airframe Detail series will be an essential companion for anyone tackling the Zoukei`-Mura 1/144th, 1/72nd, 1/48th or 1/32nd scale kits, the older Dragon 1/48th example or even the venerable PM 1/72nd scale version. Contents will include all the elements listed plus: Period detail images during production and testing A wealth of historical technical photographs and diagrams Detailed walkaround images of the world's only surviving example Imaginative colour profiles by Richard J. Caruana At least 64 pages in total Lists of all Go 229 kit and accessories produced in all scales Kit build of the 1/144th & 1/72nd Go 229s from Zoukei-Mura by Libor Jekl. This series of books offers everything that modern modellers want when they are tackling a specific subject and includes period diagrams and full colour profiles and concise camouflage and marking notes. Airframe Detail No 8

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AA-16 The Messerschmitt Me-410 (inc. Me-210 & Me-310)-A Detailed Guide to The Last Zerstorer. Publication is scheduled for mid-late October. Our sixteenth title in the Airframe Album series will be an essential companion for anyone tackling the HpH Model (1/32nd), Monogram, Meng (1/48th), Fine Molds/Eduard kits, Italeri and older kits in 1/72nd scale. Contents will include all the elements listed plus: A wealth of historical photographs and detail images of the world's two remaining Me 410s Period detail images during production and service use Isometric views by Wojciech Sankowski of all prototype, production and test airframes Colour profiles by Richard J. Caruana 160 pages in total Lists of all Me-210/Me-310/Me-410 accessories, decals & masks produced in all scales Kit build of the Meng 1/48th Me-410B-2/U4 by Steve Evans [Messerschmitt Me-410A-1/U-2]

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AA-18 Airframe Album No 18 - The Fairey Firefly - A Detailed Guide to the Fleet Air Arm's Versatile Monoplane by Richard A. Franks We are delighted to announce the next title in the Airframe Album series from Valiant Wings Publishing. This series of books offers everything that modern modellers want when they are tackling a specific subject and includes Period diagrams Data from flight manuals Data from spare parts catalogues Fully detailed 3D isometric views of prototype and production machines Full colour profiles and concise camouflage and marking notes Our eighteenth title in the Airframe Album series will be an essential reference for any FAA enthusiast tackling the Trumpeter (1/48), Special Hobby and older kits in 1/72nd scale and will be an ideal companion to our Airframe Album titles covering the Hawker Sea Fury and de Havilland Sea Hornet. Contents will include all the elements listed plus: A wealth of historical and walkaround photographs and detail images of the type Period detail images during production and service use Isometric views by Juraj Jankovic of all prototype, production and test airframes Colour profiles by Richard J. Caruana At least 128 pages in total Lists of all Firefly kits, accessories, decals & masks produced in all scales Detailed build of the Trumpeter 1/48 Firefly Mk I by Steve Evans Publication is scheduled for mid-late May, ISBN is 978-1-912932-28-3

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AM-20 The Heinkel He-177 Greif A Detailed Guide To The Luftwaffes Troubled Strategic Bomber by Richard A. Franks This is our biggest Airframe Album to date at 192+ pages. Our twentieth title in the Airframe Album series will be an essential reference for any Luftwaffe enthusiast and anyone tackling the Revell or other kits in 1/72nd and 1/48th scale. The Heinkel He 177 Greif contains: aâé-¢ A wealth of historical and walkaround photographs and detail images of the type including data from flight manuals and spare parts catalogues aâé-¢ Period detail images & diagrams during production and service use aâé-¢ Isometric views by Wojciech Sankowski of all prototype, production and test airframes aâé-¢ Concise camouflage and marking notes aâé-¢ Colour profiles and stencil diagram by Richard J. Caruana aâé-¢ Detailed build of the Revell 1/72nd He 177A-5 by Libor Jekl aâé-¢ Lists of all He 177 kits, accessories, decals & masks produced in all scales aâé-¢ Front cover artwork by Arkadiusz Wrobel aâé-¢ At least 192 pages plus cover ISBN: 978-1-912932-38-2. RRP: é£25.95 per copy Publication late February 2024

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AM-02 The Hawker Typhoon. Valiant Wings Publishing's the latest title in the ever-popular Airframe & Miniature series will be an updated and revised third edition of The Hawker Typhoon " A Complete Guide To The RAF's Classic Ground-Attack Fighter by Richard A. Franks. This second book in our much acclaimed series has been out of print for over a year. With new Typhoon kits available in 1/72nd and 1/24th including the 'Car Door' version in the latter scale, it seemed right to make this book available once again. In addition to the second edition contents contains: Extra pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams An extra 1/24 scale build of the Airfix 'Car Door' Typhoon kit by John Wilkes. 176 pages of content ISBN 978-1-912932-24-5 A real bonus for the modeller is a set of fold-out 1/48th scale plans

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AM-17 The Messerschmitt Bf-110 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's Famous ZerstĦrer 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 ZerstĦrer 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 ZerstĦrer by Richard A Franks

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AM-20: The Avro Lancaster (including the Manchester) Part 1 - Wartime Service - A Complete Guide to the RAF's Legendary Heavy Bomber by Richard A. Franks This covers the Avro Manchester and Lancaster B Mks I, II, III & VI in RAF (inc. RCAF/RAAF) service in WWII The Avro Lancaster Part 2 will cover postwar variants, use by foreign air forces, civilian types, both Lancaster and Lancastrian, and trials and test-bed machines. This volume will published later this year. Full details of its contents will be announced in due course. The Lancaster has been a popular aircraft type with modellers and has recently been the subject of several new toolings in all scales, especially in 1/32nd and 1/48th. Our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the different variants and detail differences that apply to the type. It will contain at least 272 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and RAF Bomber Command enthusiast should be without. They each 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 Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of scale plans [B.I/III B.III]

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AM-22 The Grumman F4F Wildcat (Inc. GM FM-1 & FM-2) - A Complete Guide to Grumman's First 'Cat' by Richard A. Franks. The Wildcat has been a popular aircraft type with modellers and has recently been the subject of several new toolings in all scales, especially in 1/72nd and 1/48th. Our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the different variants and detail differences that apply to the type. This twenty-second book in our much-acclaimed series will contain at least 208-pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Wildcat enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 80+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 20+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Steve A. Evans and Libor Jekl Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of scale plans Publication is scheduled for the end of October 2023 [F4F-1 [F4F-2 [F4F-3 [F4F-4 [F4F-5].

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Warpaint Armour no 1 - Armour on the Eastern Front 1941 - 1945. 84 pages Perfect bound Warpaint Armour is an exciting new series by Guideline License Publications. Each title will cover an important conflict or period, looking at the tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles that shaped pivotal moments in the history of modern warfare. Illustrated throughout with archival images and specially commissioned colour profiles, it will showcase the latest research with articles written by an international team of experts, providing information and inspiration to modellers and military history enthusiasts alike. In each volume you will find eight features articles covering both well-known and more obscure AFVs, as well as accounts of campaigns and the role of armour in both war and peace. The series will take us from the origins of armoured warfare on the Western Front to the latest in military technology and the preparations made by today's militaries for future conflict. Military Modelcraft International, the UK's number military modelling monthly, the articles are written with a modeller in mind. Each volume also features a modelling gallery, showcasing some of the finest models that have been seen in Miltary Modelcraft International over the last decade, as well as some that have not previously been seen in print.

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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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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.

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North-American B-45 Tornado. Like most nations America likes to celebrate its first's. Strangely enough this didn't seem to apply to the first jet bomber in USAF service, the North-American B-45 Tornado. Although the airframe layout bore some resemblance to WW2 aircraft this new boy on the block had many aerodynamic refinements commensurate with the newly emerging jet engines. In common with many new designs the B-45 underwent many changes throughout its career, the greatest of which was the provision of more powerful and reliable engines. Major structural changes were applied to the principle bomber version to allow carriage of a nuclear weapon whilst the final model was a versatile reconnaissance aircraft, the RB-45C. During the Korean War the RB-45C carried out valuable reconnaissance flights in support of operations whilst in Europe the B-45C remained on alert for a possible war. Under the aegis of USAF the Royal Air Force flew a handful of aircraft to plot bomber approach tracks for both Bomber Command and USAF over the Soviet Bloc. When finally withdrawn from service the majority of B-45's were scrapped thus the surviving handful are drawn from those used as test beds.

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Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 by Nikolay Yakubovich The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Fresco followed on from the successful MiG-15 design providing the Soviet air forces with a high-subsonic fighter aircraft that was able to hold its own against many of the NATO aircraft of its day. MiG-17s first saw combat in 1958 in the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis and later proved to be an effective threat against more modern supersonic fighters of the United States in the Vietnam War. Produced in the USSR from 1952 and operated by numerous air forces in many variants, the aircraft was license- built in China as the Shenyang J-5 and Poland as the PZL-Mielec Lim-6. This latest addition to the Warpaint series follows on from the acclaimed title on the MiG-15 and draws on original Soviet documentation to provide a very thorough technical and historical account of the aircraft's development and service. Once again author Nikolay Yakubovich has provided an authoritative text backed up by historical images and colour artwork and scale drawings to the same standard by artist Andrey Yurgenson.

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Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 By Nikolay Yakubovich By the time Operation Barbarossa unfolded on 22 June 1941 some 981 MiG-3s were in service with the Soviet Air Forces (VVS), the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) and Soviet Naval Aviation, but the aircraft had undergone a difficult development and was an unforgiving machine to fly in combat. It had been designed for high-altitude but combat over the Eastern Front was generally at lower altitudes, where it was outmatched by its chief adversary, the Bf-109. Combat losses were high, and over time, the aircraft were concentrated in the PVO, where its disadvantages mattered less, despite which the type had been replaced in service by the end of the conflict. This latest book in the Warpaint series covers the aircraft comprehensively, with an impressive historical text, and a selection of photographs that will be essential for any modeller considering a project. Drawing on original Soviet sources and archives this is an authoritative and comprehensive account of one of the great fighter aircraft of World War 2. Once again author Nikolay Yakubovich has provided an authoritative text backed up by historical images and colour artwork and scale drawings to the same standard by artist Andrey Yurgenson.

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Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk By Andy Evans Now you see it now you don't! The F-117's retirement may have seemed premature, but has it really gone? The informative text traces the story of this remarkable aircraft from its Have Blue origins to its withdrawal from active front line service, and takes a look at some of the recent sightings of the aircraft that suggest there may be a role of some sort for it yet. This latest Warpaint includes all the usual expertise and research that has made the se-ries the benchmark for aviation reference material. With full history, development, walkaround, and colour artwork and plans, author Andy Evans documents fully this landmark stealth design.

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Avro Lincoln Mk.I/Mk.II including engine test bed aircraft

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Curtiss P-40. Derived from the earlier Curtiss 75 Hawk the P-40 Warhawk was an attempt to update the original design for more modern warfare. Unfortunately the aircraft that first emerged was seriously underpowered, undergunned and suffering from stability problems. Although not an auspicious start for a fighter design the Curtiss engineers and those of Allison, the engine builders, finally resulted in an aircraft that was worthy of the appellation fighter. While the P-40 would never really gain the fame of other aircraft destined to play their roles in the forthcoming global conflict it would carve out a niches for itself in the deserts of Arabia, the icy Arctic and across the Pacific. Thus in the hands of experienced pilots determined to wring the best out of tools to hand the P-40 was more than able to match the best that the enemy could throw at it. The first claim to fame for the P-40 was with the American Volunteer Group better known as the Flying Tigers created to support the Chinese Government in repulsing the Japanese invaders. Sporting shark mouths on the nose panels these early aircraft, sometimes working in desperate conditions, repulsed the invaders with great skill and held them at bay until America joined the war. With the air forces of other countries the P-40 made its mark. In the desert with the RAF and RAAF, across the Pacific with the RAAF and the RNZAF and in the frozen north with the RCAF the Curtiss roamed the skies. The P-40 saw service in other air forces with Brazil, Turkey and Russia operating the type with some success. . Written by Kev Darling this latest Warpaint covers all versions of this unique naval aircraft and is illustrated in colour by Richard J.Caruana. Unique 1:72nd scale plans are also included as well as a list of operators plus production details.

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Vickers Wellesley by Ian White. Created on the drawing boards of the Vickers (Aviation) Company by Barnes Wallis using the geodetic form of construction he devised for Britain's R.100 airship, the Wellesley was designed to fulfil an Air Ministry specification for a reliable, general purpose bomber and torpedo-bomber, that was required to carry a heavy load over long distances. Originally conceived as a biplane, but converted to an all-metal geodetic monoplane by Barnes Wallis, and powered by the highly reliable Pegasus radial engine, the Wellesley was built in reasonable quantities to begin the re-equipment the embryo Bomber Command in 1937. Following testing at Martlesham Heath, the first production Wellesleys were delivered to the RAF early in 1937 and within one year formed the equipment of six UK squadrons. The Wellesley's flying qualities were such that it was chosen to equip the RAF's Long Range Development Unit, under whose guise it undertook a record breaking flight from Cranwell to the Persian Gulf and back to Ismailia in July 1938 and a second from Ismailia to Darwin, Australia, the following November, when the aircraft covered a distance of 7,157 miles without refuelling. By the outbreak of war the Wellesley was rendered obsolete in the European theatre, but was supplied in large numbers to re-equip the RAF's squadrons in the Middle East and East Africa. It was in the latter theatre that the aircraft showed its true metal. Supported by dedicated ground crews and the ever reliable Pegasus engine, the Wellesleys of Nos.14, 47 and 223 Squadrons battled the Italian Regia Aeronautica and the Italian Army in the Sudan, Abyssinia, Eritrea, Somaliland the Red Sea from June 1940 to November 1942. Despite being decidedly obsolete by the early months of 1943, the Wellesley was employed on transport, anti-submarine and convoy protection duties in the Eastern Mediterranean until March of that year, when the small number that remained were finally retired.

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Building the Wingnut Wings Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin and Pfalz D.IIIa BUILDING THE DOLPHIN AND PFALZ D.IIIA FOR our seventh Wingnut Wings modelling Special, Ray Rimell, one of the World's most experienced WWI aeroplane modellers, turns his attention to the Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin and Pfalz D.IIIa. With a compelling combination of modelling know-how and unique archive material, the book includes 100 exclusive colour close-ups, over a dozen all-new Ronny Bar colour profiles and more than 205 model images in the extensive build logs for both kits. Hyper-detailed step-by-step guides backed up by over two dozen contemporary photos, drawings and a unique photographic 'walk- around' of the RAF Museum's restored Dolphin, provide invaluable insight into cockpits; armament; interior details; powerplants, finishing and rigging. Ray takes the reader through the entire building operation, from initial pre-painting to final addition of laminated wooden airscrews, with suggestions on painting ,decal application, addition of extra detail and improvements inside and out all supported by scores of carefully-chosen images at each and every stage. Together with comprehensive bibliographies for both subjects, an extended Jargon-Buster, as well as listings of relevant accessories and decals, our latest Special is laden with top-notch material including a superb wartime centre-spread Dolphin portrait, original Dolphin rigging notes and invaluable airframe close-ups of the RAFM 5F.1 during restoration at Cosford. Although the 64 page book is aimed at modellers of the 1:32 Wingnut Wings kits, it has broader appeal for those working in other scales since a great deal of the content is pure documentation providing an unrivalled in-depth resource for anyone building either of these classic WWI biplane fighters. Published in November 2018.

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