Takom TAK02020

Wehrmacht Personal Equipment 1938-1940: Enlisted Men: ** Note that straps have deliberately been made over length to allow for the differences in component dimensions in various kits and figure sets. It is recommended that a thin piece of masking tape is used in order to ascertain the required length of items marked ‘cut to’. It is also recommended to study reference photographs closely to note the position of each item. 1. Collar patches: 1940-on. 2. Sleeve rank chevrons: 1940- (Gefreiter/Obergefreiter/Stabsgefreiter). 3. Sleeve rank stars: 1940-on (Obersoldat). 4. Shoulder straps: 1938-39- (Soldat/Soldat (NCO Candidate)/ Soldat (Officer Candidate 2nd Class)/Obersoldat (Senior Private)/Gefreiter/Obergefreiter/Stabsgefreiter). 5. Pouches for gas sheets. These came in several colours and finishes. 5b. Thickening components for items #5. Dependant on colour, attach one each to back face of each single part (#5) ensuring coloured face is outwards. *Care is advised. 6. Karabiner 98k (Kar98k) cartridge pouches. 6b. Thickening components for items #6. Dependant on colour, attach one each to back face of each single part (#6) ensuring coloured face is outwards. *Care is advised. 7. Maschinenpistole 38 (MP38) and Maschinenpistole 40 (MP40) magazine and equipment pouches. These came in several colours and finishes. 7b. Thickening components for items #7. Dependant on colour, attach one each to back face of each single part (#7) ensuring coloured face is outwards. *Care is advised. 7c. Auxiliary pouch for MP38/MP40 pouches. Attaches to left side of pouch bank. 7d. Thickening components for items #7c. Dependant on colour, attach one each to back face of each single part (#7c) ensuring coloured face is outwards. *Care is advised. 8. Collar patches: 1938-39. 9. Helmet decals (left & right). 10. Tunic buttons (with spares). 11. Sling for Maschinengewehr 34 (MG34). 12. Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) medals. 13. Infantry assault badges. 14. Wound badges. 15. Vertical back strap (for equipment (shoulder) harness))- cut to required length. Attach to figure before waist belt and equipment (shoulder) harness is attached. 16. Sleeve rank stars: 1938-39- (Obersoldat). 17. Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) ribbons- cut to required length. 18. Sleeve rank chevrons: 1938-39- (Gefreiter/Obergefreiter/Stabsgefreiter). 19. Attachment hooks (for belt). 20. Shoulder straps: 1940-on (Soldat/Soldat (NCO Candidate)/ Soldat (Officer Candidate 2nd Class)/Obersoldat (Senior Private)/Gefreiter/Obergefreiter/Stabsgefreiter). 21. Waist belts and buckles- cut to required length. Attach unbuckled end to figure, then wrap round and join bucks at the front. 22. Equipment (shoulder) harnesses. 23. Breast eagles. 24. Karabiner 98k (Kar98k) slings, with buckles and attachments (to right of slings marked *). Cut slings to required length. Some allowance has been made for the sling to loop back on itself where required. 25. Maschinenpistole 38 (MP38) and Maschinenpistole 40 (MP40). Cut slings to required length. The closing clips are marked *. Some allowance has been made for the sling to loop back on itself where required. 26. Auxiliary side belt for shoulder harness (one per side). 27. Helmet liners. Place liner in helmet and fold segmented sides down. Some kits come with ‘filled’ helmets so these will need to be hollowed out first. 28. M1931 field flask and drinking cup straps, buckles and loops. Cut strap to required length before placing attachments. 29. ‘X’ strap for entrenching tool holder and bayonet. 30. Mess tin closing fasteners. 31. Attachments for mess tin carrying handle. Place one on each side of tin. 32. Tent quarter straps. Cut strap to required length. 33. M1930 gas mask carrying canister locks and pull straps. 34. Helmet straps (unfastened). Cut straps to required length. 35. Helmet straps (fastened). Cut strap to required length. 36. M1931 Bread bags (Brotbeutel 31). 37. M1931 bread bag carrying straps and buckles. These were often looped around the helmet with the bag being carried on the rear of the belt by means of attachment hooks. 38. Slings for M1930 gas mask carrying canister. Cut to required length. 39. Belt attachment straps for bread bags. Use in conjunction with #19. See separate illustration for placement. 40. Attach to front flap on bread bag. See separate illustration for placement.

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HOW TO BUILD TAMIYA’S 1:48 SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.1 (2018 released kits) When Tamiya released their 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc in 2009, they set a new standard for plastic model kits. As one of the most popular subjects in the history of scale modelling, we should not be surprised to find that Tamiya has now released an all-new Spitfire kit in 1:48 scale. Tamiya’s brand new 1:48 scale Spitfire Mk.I delivers innovative design, outstanding detail, an accurate outline and crisp, subtle surface textures. This model has nothing at all in common with their 1993 kit. Between these covers, we provide an exhaustive step-by-step illustrated guide to building Tamiya’s 1:48 scale Spitfire Mk.I straight from the box plus tips on painting and weathering. Plenty of inspiration is offered with two different configurations plus a conversion to the Photo Reconnaissance version with models by Brett Green and Marcus Nicholls. Also included are a walkaround of a surviving Spitfire Mk.I, a summary of other Spitfire Mk.I model kits available in 1:48 scale, a list of available accessories and decals plus a catalogue of helpful references. “Tamiya’s brand new 1:48 scale Spitfire Mk.I delivers innovative design, outstanding detail, an accurate outline and crisp, subtle surface textures."

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31. Pz.Rgt., 5. Pz.Div. Panthers. Covers 9 specific Panther Ausf. As & Ausf. Gs from 31. Pz.Rgt. featuring the prominent, late-war styled, red devil's head on black on the turret sides. Comes with complete generic alphanumerics for the turret, for those who wants full flexibility, in both zimmerit edged and non-zimmerit ones. While the specific options will help modellers place the numbers with ease without trying to guess the spacings between the digits. Which you can see can be quite different from tank to tank. Of these, "412" had the emblem uniquely outlined with a lighter colour, very likely red (same shade as the head). The Ausf Gs covered in this set featured both dotted ambush and disc camouflages. Also included are the usual stencils and hull numbers.

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Aerospatiale HH-65C Dolphin Helicopter USN Coast Guard Designed for the 1/35 scale Trumpeter kit, this decal sheets provides several marking options for the Coast Guard's workhorse: the HH-65/MH-65 Dolphin. The Trumpeter kit suffers from an oversimplified and inaccurate decal sheet: this decal sheet provides a much-needed replacement. Extensive stencilling and a bonus sheet with additional station names & serial numbers are included. The following USCG helicpters are featured on this decal sheet: U.S. Coast Guard MH-65C "6506", CGAS Traverse City, MI U.S. Coast Guard MH-65C "6584", CGAS Los Angeles, CA U.S. Coast Guard MH-65D "6538", CGAS Houston, TX U.S. Coast Guard HH-65C "6571", CGAS New Orleans, LA U.S. Coast Guard MH-65D "6503", CGAS Kodiak, AK U.S. Coast Guard MH-65D "6552", HITRON - Jacksonville, FL U.S. Coast Guard MH-65D "6569", CGAS Borinquen, PR U.S. Coast Guard MH-65D "6555", CGAS San Francisco, CA

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Soviet BTR-80s Around the World. Macedonia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Turkey, Russian Kosovo Force.

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German Fire Extinguisher Labels of WWII (Part 2) Finely printed, down to the exact fonts seen on actual examples. Each label is produced from an larger, more refined format down-scaled to 1/35. Whilst most text can't be seen at this level, one is assured of the highest integrity when it comes to form. A number of labels on this set used gold or silver pigments. Finally, the set also includes a smaller yellow label (never produced in this scale before), which is often placed on the sides of the extinguishers. Each set comes with 20 labels, divided over 5 styles. Spare smaller yellow labels included.

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Wurzburg Radar & Mobile 24KVA Generator (Camera On No.18) - Alan Ranger 140 rare photographs of the historically significant World War II Wurzburg mobile radar, its associated power generation equipment and many of the types of prepared and temporary installations it operated from. This volume endeavours to show this rarely illustrated equipment in some detail but still show it as the soldiers viewed it as both their work place and also their home, not the highly posed and polished views of the official photographers. This collection will be an invaluable reference for historians and military modellers alike.

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CONSOLIDATED PB4Y-1/1P LIBERATOR by Steve Ginter 241-pages, 4-color cover images, 72 drawings, and 511 b&w photos. The Navy’s acquisition of the B-24D as a long range patrol bomber/sub hunter (PB4Y-1) and as a long range photo recon platform (PB4Y-1P) marked a major shift in patrol doctrine and the eventual end to the flying boat patrol plane. The Navy Liberators became a one ship strike forces as they roamed thousands of miles on sector searches and destroyed over a 1,000 ships and hundreds of aircraft. The original under-gunned early B-24Ds were up-gunned with bow turrets from Consolidated, ERCO, MPC, and Emerson and with Sperry ball turrets in their bellys when search radar was not fitted. The B-24Ds were replaced with B-24Js, B-24Ls, and B-24Ms all designated PB4Y-1/1Ps. The PB4Y-1P photo planes were used to map and surveil Japanese strongholds before invasions and discover new airfields and fleet movements. No mission was too far or too dangerous. It was in a remote control PB4Y-1 flying bomb that Joe Kennedy was killed over England. After the war, photo squadrons continued to operate the photo version into the early 1050s. The book covers all engineering details and structures and covers all the PB4Y-1 squadron’s historys and most combat operations. 13-pages of modeling options are also provided.

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"Able Mable" Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler By Bob Kowalski 152-pages, 326 b&w photos, 4-color photos, 48-drawings, and 15-squadron insignias. "Able Mable", the Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler, was the product of a 1943 Navy contract for two prototype bomber torpedo (BT) planes. Two other contractors, Curtiss and Fleetwings also received prototype contracts. In 1944 after the testing of these prototypes and a new entry the Douglas Skyraider, the Navy placed production orders for the Martin Mauler and the Douglas Skyraider. Even though the Skyraider proved more suitable for carrier operations, 139 AM-1s and 18 AM-1Qs were produced and served with five attack squadrons and one composite squadron before being relegated to the reserves. With its huge R-4360-4W 28-cylinder 3,000 BHP engine, the Mauler performed like a fighter and had the power to out lift any other single engine aircraft in the world at the time. In addition to its heavy-lift capabilities (10,648 lbs of fuel, 4-20mm guns with ammo, 3-torpedos and 12 250 lb bombs) the unique finger-type dive brakes on the AM-1 gave it extremely accurate and rock-steady dive bombing performance deemed best in the world by navy test pilots. Its Awesome performance made it a challenge at times particularly around the boat and earned it the enduring nickname of "Awful Monster".

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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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Martin PBM Mariner. By Steve Ginter. The Martin PBM Mariner flying boat with its distinctive gull wing was proposed to the Navy in 1937 as a replacement for the very successful Consolidared PBY. The major differences were: it was to be a true blue water, open ocean flying boat; capable of extremely long range; with enough offensive armaments to function as a sub hunter or patrol bomber; and enough defensive armament to protect itself. It racked up an impressive wartime record as a sub killer in the Atlantic and as a ship killer in the Pacific. The 1,366 production PBMs were built as PBM-1s, PBM-3s, PBM-3R transports, PBM-3Cs, PBM-3Ds, PBM-3Ss, PBM-5s, PBM-5Rs, PBM-5Ss, PBM-5S2s, PBM-5G and PBM-5A amphibians. In addition to development, testing, variants, and detailed aircraft systems, the book tells each squadrons history and covers usage by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Netherlands, Columbia, Argentina, Uruguay, RAF, RAAF, and civilians. The last PBM was retired from Navy service in 1956 and the last Coast Guard PBM-5G was retired in 1958. 256 pages, 755 black and white, 5-color photos and 61 drawings [PBM-3/5 PBM-5/5A]

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MDFSD8 Scaled Down #8 Dassault Mirage 2000B/2000C/2000D/2000N and international versions. Dassault Mirage 2000B/C/D/N The delta wing Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine fourth-generation aircraft, designed in the late 1970s as a lightweight fighter based on the iconic Mirage III for the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air). Since then the Mirage 2000 evolved into a true multirole platform with several variants developed and has been sold to a number of nations. The variants include the Mirage 2000C fighter and Mirage 2000D and Mirage 2000N strike variants, and the improved Mirage 2000-5, and the proposed 2000-9. Over 600 aircraft were built, and it has been in service with nine nations. The Mirage 2000 has proven a capable performer under extreme combat conditions and has seen action across Europe, the Middle East and in North Africa as a part of the NATO contingent enforcing the ‘No-Fly Zone’ over Libya. Despite the aircraft currently being replaced by the much more advanced Dassault Rafale, the Dassault Mirage 2000 still plays a role in operations of the French Air Force today - and with other air forces around the world. Mirage 2000 fighters in currently operation with the French Air Force are the Mirage 2000C/B single seater the Mirage 2000N and the upgraded Mirage 2000NK3, designed for all weather nuclear penetration at low altitude and very high speed. Also in service is the Mirage 2000D, an upgraded version of the Mirage 2000N, for automated bombing using conventional and laser guided munitions, and the Mirage 2000-5, incorporating advanced avionics, new sensors and control systems. The Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads - five on the fuselage and two on each wing, and these include the BGL 1000 laser-guided bomb, AS30L, Armat anti-radar missile, AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile, Apache standoff weapon, and the stealthy cruise missile, the Storm Shadow/SCALP. The aforementioned French Mirage 2000NK3 aircraft can also carry the ASMPA medium-range air-to-ground missile. ASMPA has a tactical nuclear warhead and replaced the ASMP missile. The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30mm guns. Air-to-air weapons include MICA air-to-air missiles, and the Magic 2 missiles, the MBDA Super 530D missile or the Sky Flash. The Mirage 2000 gained export success with sales to Greece, Brazil, Qatar, Peru, Taiwan, India, the UAE and Egypt. Brazil retired its Mirage 2000s in 2013, however, the type remains in service around the world with many being upgraded to new standards. The success of this iconic Dassault delta is lavishly brought to life in this new MDF Scaled Down book which will provide information and inspiration for the modeller and enthusiast alike. By Andy Evans

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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 (HMSS), 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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Re-printed! Vought F4U Corsair (in action series) Now updated and expanded, Squadron"s just released new edition of the F4U Corsair in Action includes 53 exciting new photographs in 16 all new, additional pages. Bringing to mind the exploits of "Pappy" Boyington and his "Blacksheep Squadron" and Tommy Blackburn with the "Jolly Rogers," the Corsair is among the most formidable U.S. fighters of World War II. The F4U maintained a kill ratio of 11:1 according to the United States Navy and went on to serve American forces in Korea, holding its own in the early years of the jet age. The Corsair was first conceived as a high-speed, high-altitude fighter for the Navy in 1938 when Chance Vought"s design team drew up plans for a fighter with a 1,800 h.p. engine and a huge 13-foot propeller. The Corsair"s famous inverted gull wing design was introduced to allow prop clearance. Handling problems delayed the aircraft"s deployment aboard carriers, but Marine Corps pilots quickly took to the powerful, rugged fighter and VMF-124, the first Marine squadron to fly the Corsair in combat, also produced the first Corsair air ace, Kenneth A. Walsh, by the summer of 1943. A total of 12,571 Corsairs were built between 1940 and 1952, most of them by Vought, but hundreds by Goodyear and Brewster as those companies" assembly lines had to be pressed into service to meet soaring demand for the remarkable aircraft. Jim Sullivan"s exhaustive volume surveys the history of the Corsair from its first prototype to the restored warbirds that have continued to delight air show audiences down to the present day. Illustrated with 229 photographs, plus colour profiles and detailed line drawings; 80 pages. [F4U-4B F4U-1D F4U-1 F4U-1A F4U-4 F4U-2 F4U-4 F4U-5 F4U-5N F4U-7 Mk.II]

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Re-printed! Curtiss SB2C Helldiver in Action series. The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver served the U.S. Navy as a carrier-based dive bomber during the last two years of World War II. Intended to replace the much smaller Douglas SBD Dauntless and tasked with meeting demanding requirements, the Helldiver suffered from numerous difficulties in its development stage. An initial prototype crashed less than two months after its first flight, and a second prototype crashed two months after it first took to the air. Improvements were made, however and after 880 modifications demanded by the U.S. Navy, the SB2C entered combat with squadron VB-17 aboard the Bunker Hill during the attack on the Japanese-held port of Rabaul north of New Guinea on 11 November 1943. The aircraft was not well liked by air crews, however, due to its large size, heavy weight, and lateral instability. During the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, 45 Helldivers ran out of fuel and were lost before they could return to their carriers. More modifications ensued and the more powerful SB2C-3 made its appearance, equipped with the R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone engine and a Curtiss four-blade propeller, in 1944. Helldivers helped sink the battleship Musashi in October 1944 and, in April 1945, sent the battleship Yamato to the bottom of the ocean the two heaviest and most powerfully armed battleships ever built. 194 photos, many in color, 80 pages. (now out of print so be quick!)

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Re-printed! Douglas A-26 Invader (In Action Series) A-26/B-26 Invader In Action. Book by David Doyle. Squadron Signal Books. The Douglas A-26 Invader served the United States with distinction in various combat roles during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Originally created as an attack aircraft, with the designation A-26, the Invader was designed to replace the A-20 Havoc, North-American B-25 Mitchell and the Martin B-26 Marauder for the U.S. Army Air Forces. However, production delays prevented the aircraft from reaching the field until June 1944. With as many as 14 forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns as well as bombs and rockets, the Invader was well-suited for ground strikes when the Korean War broke out in 1951. The Invader flew into combat and carried the markings of the U.S. Air Force as the redesignated B-26. Later, the French used the Invader during their war in Vietnam. Shortly after the United States entered the conflict, Invaders returned to the sky over Vietnam in the hands of American as well as South Vietnamese crews. In order to base the aircraft type in Thailand, which prohibited the USAF bombers, the Invader was once more classified as an attack aircraft, and the A-26 designation returned. Illustrated with more than 175 photos, 35 of which are in vintage color, as well as two color profile illustrations and 10 line drawings. 80 pages. [B-26B-50 A-26B-15 A-26С-15 B-26С-50]

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Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk In Action Series (now out of print so be quick!) First introduced in the mid-1980s, the U.S. Navy’s Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter fulfills a wide range of functions from combat to providing relief to populations stricken by natural disasters. Based on the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk, and developed in accordance with the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System or LAMPS concept of helicopters that extend the search, detection, surveillance, and attack capabilities of ships, the Seahawk family of Navy choppers is distinguished by its hinged tail that facilitates operations from giant aircraft carriers or diminutive destroyers and frigates. The author introduces you to the SH-60F Ocean Hawk with its AQS-13F dunking sonar for detecting submerged vessels, the HH-60H “Rescue Hawk," that can fly 250 nautical miles from base to perform a rescue and then return to base and which also serves in sea-air-land (SEAL) team operations, the MH-60R “Strikehawk" loaded with sophisticated avionics that facilitate undersea warfare and surface warfare operations in shallow littoral regions as well as deep, blue water ocean environments, and finally the MH-60S “Knighthawk" with its two cabin doors that does everything from aeromedical evacuation and search and rescue to mine countermeasures and special operations transport. Illustrated with more than 260 full-colour photographs, 80 pages.

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Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Tank (In Action Series) Though not as celebrated in literature (or propaganda) as the much feared Tiger, the Panther tank was arguably the more effective of Germany’s two World War II-era “cats." Sometimes known as the Panzerkampfwagen V, the Panther was introduced in 1943 as Germany’s new medium tank, intended to replace both the Panzer III and Panzer IV, both of which proved outclassed by the Soviet T-34 and KV-1. The tank had excellent firepower and protection for its day, but early Panthers especially were plagued with mechanical issues, many of which were the result of the vehicles being rushed into production and into the field where they were manned by troops who lacked adequate training on the tanks-all in a feverish effort to stem the Soviet counteroffensive in 1943. While some issues, such as troop training, were corrected-at least in the short term, some of the mechanical issues, notably problems with the transmission, continued to plague the Panther to the end of the war. These issues were compounded by the incessant Allied bombing not only of the tank assembly plants, but also of the factories that made key parts and subassemblies. A further problem for the Panther arose as a result of the use of slave labor to manufacture the tanks and their components. Intended in part to lower the 117,100 Reichmark vehicle cost, the use of hostile prisoners in industry resulted in frequent instances of sabotage that, a 1947 study showed, were effective. With its sloping armour, both to deflect shot and to increase effective thickness, even 75 years later the Panther still has a modern appearance. Nevertheless, the tank failed to live up to its potential. Originally designed as a 30-ton vehicle, with an engine and transmission sized accordingly, as typical of German tank designs, the Panther’s weight soon began to climb, ultimately soaring to over 45 tons, which astoundingly is nearly the original design weight of the massive Tiger tank. Over 180 B/W photos, 9 colour profiles and line drawings. 80 pages.

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Messerschmitt Bf-109G (Walk Around Series) (Paperback) Commonly known as the "Gustav" because of the G suffix in its name, The Bf-109 G began rolling off assembly lines in February 1942 and remained in production until the end of World War II. The Bf-109 G was mainly distinguished from its predecessor by the fact that it incorporated the Daimler Benz DB 605 A engine, a powerplant with a takeoff rating of 1,475 h.p. - 125 h.p. more than the DB 601 E engine in the Bf-109 F-4. Production of the Bf-109 G was also undertaken by Germany's Allies, including Romania and Hungary. No reliable manufacturing statistics survive but it is estimated that a massive 23,000 Gustavs were built by the end of the war. Lavishly illustrated with wartime photos as well as modern museum shots, this volume recounts in detail the stories of the numerous versions of the versatile Gustav, including the G-1 and G-5 with their pressurized cabins; the prolific G-2 and G-4, which saw extensive service on the Eastern Front and in North Africa; the G-6, which was built in greater numbers than any other Gustav; the short-range reconnaissance G-8, and others. Particular attention is devoted to Gustav aircraft flown by Germany's allies during the war - wartime photos of Croatian, Finnish, Hungarian, Italian, Romanian, Slovak, and Slovenian pilots and their aircraft fill the book, highlighting a facet of the Axis war effort often overlooked by historians. Illustrated with more than 200 photographs, detailed colour profiles and line drawings; 80 pages.

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Gamma Goat Detail In Action. Conceived at a time when the U.S. Army was seeking to revolutionize its tactical vehicle fleet, the Gama Goat showed considerable promise. Deriving its name from its designer, Roger Gamaunt, the Gama Goat was initially a project of aerospace giant Chance-Vought. The all-wheel drive vehicle with steerable axles at each end and a flexible connection between the halves of its two-part body provide agile in testing. The flexibility gave the vehicle sure footing, and the body was designed to be amphibious. Sadly, the production M561 Gama Goats, assembled by Consolidated Diesel Electric, failed to live up to the promise of the test vehicles, leading to a Congressional investigation into both the vehicle performance and cost overruns. Expense modifications and retrofitting delayed the fielding of the vehicle. Troops using these engineering marvels either loved it, or hated it, with seemingly no middle ground. Ultimately, the vehicle saw use with U.S. forces stateside, as well as in Germany and Korea, and the M561 was used during the invasion of Grenada. This 80-page volume chronicles the design, development, testing and field use of this iconic vehicle through 143 vintage colour and black-and-white photos, as well as showcasing the nuances of the remarkable design via 74 colour photos of immaculately preserved examples. Illustrated with over 200 photographs. 80 pages

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Warpaint Aviation #1 - Fall of Iron Edited by Gary Hatcher & Chris Meddings. Fall of Iron is the first in a series of compendium volumes covering military aircraft with a focus on some of the less well-covered subjects. The series is designed to offer a brief one-stop historical reference combined with colour artwork and is aimed primarily scale modellers but offers plenty for the general aviation enthusiast too. This first volume looks at some of the twin-engined medium bombers of World War Two and includes a selection of profiles written by Richard Mason, as well as a ground-breaking piece of research on the early B-25 Mitchell by Brian Derbyshire that offers an incisive look into the business of wartime mass-production and the vast number of changes to the ensuing airframes brought about as a result of ongoing combat experience. Other aircraft covered include the rarely discussed Tupolev SB-2, the Mitsubishi G4M Betty, Bristol Blenheim, Savoia-Marchetti SM.79, Petylyakov Pe-2 and the Handley Page Hampden. Many of these aircraft have been overlooked as 'also-rans' by history and the scale modelling community but an examination of similar types designed for similar roles from various Axis and Allied air forces demonstrates just how much aircraft development kept pace during the conflict, and how despite their clear external differences aircraft designers all over the World were drawing the same conclusions as a result of experience gained in a shooting war. Comprehensive enough to inform but concise enough to be useful, Fall of Iron presents a picture of Wartime bomber development that will help the reader understand the essential role these unsung machines played and the sometimes remarkable use that was made of them. This books is 92 pages

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Convair (Consolidated Vultee) B-36 'Peacemaker' Conceived when the Americans thought that the stuttering British candle would be snuffed out by Germany, the Consolidated Vultee, Convair, B-36 was intended to take the air war to Europe from the Continental USA. Fortunately Britain hung on and caused the cancellation of the invasion due to the stalwart efforts of the RAF during the Battle of Britain. As global war developed the B-36 programme was put on the back burner as other needs were more pressing. Eventually the B-36 would resume this time as a high altitude long range nuclear delivery platform. Numerous versions entered service with USAF covering both the bombing and reconnaissance versions, both undertaking overseas deployments in support of their intended missions. Continued production of the B-36 caused a great rift with the U.S. Navy whose first super carrier was cancelled to pay for more B-36"s that the Admirals regarded as redundant. It would be the emergence of the reliable turbojet engine that would spell the end of the B-36 as a front line aircraft as both the Boeing B-47 and B-52 bombers would quickly see the types demise. Outside the needs of Strategic Air Command there were other uses for the B-36 airframe, one would be used to transport a B-58 Hustler fuselage/ wing assembly for structural testing, another would become the NB-36 and carried a working nuclear reactor aboard whilst the final throw of the dice saw the type developed into the YB-60 eight engined bomber in competition with the B-52. The basic design threw up one more off shoot, the XC-99 transport that saw a new fuselage married to the original wings and fittings plus the original tail feathers, as a unique one off the XC-99 survives in preservation. This book is written by Kev Darling and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana.

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Douglas C-54/R5D Skymaster and DC-4 The Douglas C-54 Skymaster, a direct adaptation of the civilian DC-4 while still on the production line, became the outstanding long-range four-engined transport aircraft of the Second World War. With its origins as a civilian airliner, it served chiefly on the long-distance haul of Air Transport Command of the United States Army Air Forces on the Atlantic and Pacific routes, where it cut flight hours between the United States and the theatres of operation thousands of miles away. The reliability of its airframe and engines was put to good use also on the India-China 'Hump' route, which was described as the most arduous of all within the responsibility of Air Transport Command. Like its smaller Douglas stable mate the C-47, the C-54 boasted legendary reliability, and was the preferred long-range transport from among its contemporaries. A special VIP version was built for use by the President of the United States, Franklin D Roosevelt. The Royal Air Force also used it in small numbers during the Second World War, one of which was outfitted as a VIP aircraft for use by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The U.S. Navy acquired it under the designation R5D. All production having been commandeered by the USAAF on the outbreak of war, no civilian DC-4s flew during the war. After 1945, however, hundreds became available for use by civilian airlines, which converted them into airliners with passenger seating and comfort, or used them as freighters. Douglas re-opened its production line for new builds in 1946, but the cheap price of the second-hand market kept back this production to only 79 examples. Also in 1946 Canadair ventured to build a Rolls-Royce Merlin-powered version, which it named North Star, used by both military and commercial operators. The DC-4 was a common sight in the immediate post-war period up to the 1950s flown by leading European and United States airline liveries, until it started to be replaced by Douglas's own DC-6 and DC-7. The aircraft came in handy during the 1948-49 Berlin Airlift, during which it hauled food supplies and even coal to the beleaguered German city, and again during the Korean War, airlifting the wounded to Japan and the United States. Dozens of variants of the C-54 were employed in a wide variety of non-combat roles such as air-sea rescue, scientific and military research and missile tracking and recovery. No fewer than 1,315 examples of Skymasters were built in the United States and Canada, flown by 35 air arms of other countries in a variety of versions and roles, and full information on serials, versions and other remarks are all included in very detailed tables in this book. The Aviation Traders Carvair cross-Channel car ferry is not forgotten in this account, and a chapter is dedicated to this unique aircraft converted in Britain from standard C-54s. This new 96 page Warpaint publication written by Charles Stafrace contains 200 colour and B&W photos plus eleven pages of colour artwork by Richard Caruana.

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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 F9F Panther When the US Navy decided to enter the jet age it was no surprise that it turned to Grumman for its first carrier borne jet fighter bomber with a recon option. The first design produced by the company was a mighty beast, more akin to a bomber than a fighter. Unfortunately American jet engine development was concentrating mainly on the turbojet, a slow process as little was really known about manufacturing such a powerplant. Back to the drawing board and Grumman designed a small straight winged single engined machine that would be powered by a centrifugal engine. However, America was going through an 'American stuff only' period therefore an overseas powerplant was put of the question, or was it? The problem would be solved by having the Rolls Royce Nene license manufactured by Pratt & Whitney as the J42. As insurance the Allison J33 was selected to power one batch of aircraft although all were converted to the J42 later. The resulting aircraft would be designated the F9F Panther and would enter squadron service at a fairly steady pace although this quickened once the United States found itself embroiled in the Korean War. The Panther proved itself to be a tough bird although there was the odd mix 'n' match that resulted in a blue tailed fly! The remaining Panthers would finally leave USN service in the early 1960s. The only overseas operator of the type was Argentina who also used them as carrier aircraft. This book is written by Kev Darling and is superbly illustrated by Richard J. Caruana.

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de Havilland (Canada) DHC-1 CHIPMUNK - by Adrian M Balch The Chipmunk is probably the most famous and well-known post-war piston-engined basic training aircraft after the Tiger Moth, for which it was designed as a replacement by de Havilland in Canada. It first flew on 22 May 1946 and entered operational service that same year. During the late 1940s and 1950s, the Chipmunk was procured in large numbers for air arms around the world, primarily the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the, Royal Air Force (RAF), who utilised it as their standard primary trainer aircraft. The type was also produced under licence by de Havilland in the United Kingdom, who would build the vast majority of Chipmunks, as well as by OGMA (Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico) in Portugal.The type served with the RAF right up until 1996 in the ab initial training role and many still fly today in civilian guise. This is another quality publication in the Warpaint series by author Adrian Balch, who relates the history of the Chipmunk together with colour scheme details for the modeller, supported by no less than 90 top quality photographs from his archives, the majority of which are in colour. Many colourful profiles are provided by Jan Polc, making this 48-page publication a 'must have' for the aviation historian and modeller alike. [DHC Chipmunk T.10 T.20 T.30]

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Fairey Battle. British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, said in the House of Commons on 20 August, 1940 - ....'on no part of the RAF does the weight of war fall more heavily than on the daylight bomber'.... . A reflection of what happened in the Low Countries during May/June 1940. The Battle was not mis-used during this debacle. The Air Staff, before the war, had planned against such an attack by Germany through the Low Countries, the Blitzkrieg was just outside their experience and the light bombers were thrust in at low level against a rapidly moving and heavily armed enemy. It is also unfair for aviation journalists to compare the performance of a Battle against the new emerging single-engined fighters. It was a large but graceful design, and by contemporary standards was advanced for its day. Originally conceived within the limits of the Geneva Disarmament Conference the Battle would, by the time the second world war opened, have over 1000 aircraft in RAF service providing vital aircrew experience of a modern monoplane with a retractable undercarriage, variable-pitch propellers and hydraulic systems. After withdrawal from front line squadrons the Battle airframe was adapted to provide experimental test bed work and give trainee aircrews extensive flying training in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. More than half of all Battles built were later used in the training role - many continuing in use until 1945 or after!

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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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The Last Flight Of the L31. The true story of the Potters Bar Zeppelin (Albatros specials) On October 1 1916, the inhabitants of Potters Bar, Middlesex were witness to the fiery destruction of a raiding German Zeppelin that came down on the Oakmere Estate.All 19 crewmembers perished,including the airship's redoubtable commander Kapitanleutnant Heinrich Mathy. This evocative century-old event is now commemorated by Ray Rimell in this new book officially published on 1 October 2016; with the aid of many contemporary eyewitness accounts,plus official military records and personal family archives ,the author presents a fulsome account of the night's drama and traces the wartime career of L31's commander as never before. Including over 50 rare photos,together with specially- commissioned artwork and drawings ,Ray's unique account accurately records one of the most dramatic aerial encounters over British soil during 'The Great War.' Limited to 1000 copies,all individually numbered and signed by the author, advance copies are now available in limited numbers....

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