FRANCE’S LITTLE FIGHTER
238 pages
The AMX-13 Light Tank
By: MP Robinson, P Lau, G Gibeau
ISBN: 978-1-52670-167-1
Price: £18.99 Format: 246 x 190mm
This recent Images of War volume is considerably thicker than most previous issues at 238 pages, due to the AMX-13’s extensive service career worldwide. It pays homage not just to this heavily armed light tank, but also to one of the authors, Guy Gibeau, who served on the type with the French Army and who sadly died just as the book was completed. The AMX-13’s development, as a source of French national pride (being an indigenous project) receives due attention, along with the decision to abandon what was regarded as ‘conventional’ tank design, favouring a turret set well to the rear. The rest of the pages are then devoted to different versions, with a chapter dedicated to each, including antiaircraft, SS-11 anti-tank missile and C90 90mm-gun equipped variants, before covering engineering, combat support, personnel carrier and selfpropelled artillery sub-types. The excellent text is complimented by a splendid collection of high-quality photographs, and while there isn’t a walk-round section per se, there are more than sufficient shots of the vehicle to provide modellers with all the reference material they require, especially for diorama builders. Note there are no shots of the interior, but all aspects of the vehicle’s exterior are otherwise covered. SF
AMERICA’S FIRST JET BOMBER
44 pages
NAA B-45 Tornado
By: Kev Darling
ISBN: N/A Price: £15 Format: A4
Web: guidelinepublications.co.uk
Aviation technology progressed in leaps and bounds after World War Two, as nations sought to maximise the potential from jet engines and swept wings, but North American took a conservative approach with its B-45, combining the new powerplant with straight wings. Warpaint’s volume on the type is timely for those building Valom’s 1/72 kits, and provides the usual concise narrative on the Tornado’s development and service history. The latter is thoroughly engrossing, especially for the reconnaissance missions, which were to be the B-45’s only combat sorties, including flights by RAFcrewed aircraft over the Soviet Union. It’s not without its issues, though, and several sections are marred by repetition or missing words; there’s the mistaken identification of shadows as a fuel tank, and no real division of the content. Richard J Caruana’s colour profiles and scale drawings are the undisputed standout, highlighting the various airframe changes through this bomber/ reconnaissance aircraft’s relatively short operational life, and the mainly natural metal schemes. Photos are predominantly black and white, including those in the walk-round section, but it’s a shame there are none of the bomb/ camera bays. SF
RISING DRAGON
256 pages
Modern Chinese Warplanes
By: Andreas Rupprecht
ISBN: 978-09973092-6-3
Price: £35.99
Format: A4
While technically the fourth book in Harpia’s study of modern Chinese air power, this is actually a much revised and updated of the original 2012 publication, and deals exclusively with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It addresses the recent re-organisation of this air arm from Military Regions into Theatre Commands, introduction of stealth projects such as the J-20 and developments in China’s burgeoning unmanned air vehicle (UAV) sector. Compared to similar products, the order is unusual, opening with a basic history of the Chinese Air Force/PLAAF, before diverging into a markings and serials chapter. After this, its back to descriptions of the aircraft, helicopters and UAV’s in service, followed by descriptions of the weapons carried by these platforms, and how aircrews are trained. A full order of battle (current as of 2018) then segues neatly into an examination of China’s new Theatre Command structure, with an examination of the six formations (including the HQ element). While modellers will appreciate the clear, high-quality photos, which include examples of electronic countermeasures pods and air-to-air/ground munitions, plus explanation of markings and serials, this is more of a basic guide to the PLAAF. SF
ROYAL LEVIATHANS
136 pages
The King George V Class Battleships
By: Witold Koszela
ISBN: 978-83-65958-07-5
Price: £30 Format: A4
Web: www.mmpbooks.biz
The five vessels of the King George V class (HMS King George V, Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Anson, Howe) were the most advanced battleships fielded by the Royal Navy during World War Two. Stratus’ volume on these ships is one of the first in a new series on maritime subjects (which includes German battleships) and provides a mix of period photographs with scale drawings and colour profiles to accompany the well-written and informative narrative. The opening sections deal with how the ships were designed and built; these contain descriptions of the initial weapons fit (not all of which were added to the vessels) and how the battleships were configured internally. Each ship then receives a separate chapter, charting its entry into service, operational history, camouflage schemes, refits and equipment/armament changes. Notably, HMS Prince of Wales also features colour photography of the ship’s wreck, located off the coast of Kuantan, Malaysia in proximity to HMS Repulse, which was sunk during the same series of Japanese air attacks. There is much here for ship modellers to savour, notably the superb scale drawings, which help to catalogue changes in these vessels, especially HMS Howe, which was refitted extensively within a year of being accepted into service. SF
SEND IN YOUR PRODUCTS FOR US TO REVIEW: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, Units 1-4 Gwash Way Industrial Estate, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XP, UK
FIGHTER-BOMBER ANTONS
20 pages
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A
By: Maciej Noszczak, Janusz Światłoń
ISBN: 978-83-66148-09-3
Price: £16.99 Format: A4
Web: www.casematepublishers.co.uk
This is the first in what appears to be a series of Top Drawings volumes dedicated to the Fw 190 and covers all permutations of the A-series of fighters/fighter-bombers. Versions are tackled in numerical order, starting with the initial production A-1 and progressing to the final A-9. These supply views from the top, bottom and both sides, with supplementary insets depicting sub-types such as those deployed to tropical climes, plus high-altitude fighter modifications and airframes suspended on maintenance frames; several of the latter are 1/24 scale for greater clarity. While these are all to 1/48 and provide a great source of reference material for modellers, they are accompanied by eight full colour profiles of various airframes, highlighting different camouflage schemes, plus unit and kill markings. The final page is perhaps one of the most useful for modellers, as it highlights the airframe differences between the A-1 through to the A-9, with partial views of changes to cannon blisters, engine panels and filters. A separate A3-sized pull-out provides extra 1/48 drawings of A-3, A-7 and A-8/R8 airframes, all to the same high standards of the main booklet. There’s also a bonus pre-cut self-adhesive mask set, designed to fit Tamiya’s 1/72 and 1/48 offerings. SF
BIJOU FRENCH TANKS
180 pages
Renault FT & M1917
By: Jacek Szafrański, Samir Karmieh
ISBN: 978-83-66148-04-8
Price: €24.35 Format: A4
Web: www.kagero.pl
Renault’s FT-17 may not appear revolutionary in design, but was the first tank to feature a driver at the front, central combat compartment, rotatable turret and rear drive wheel… a configuration that has changed little since then. This delightful modelling reference is divided into three well-designed sections; the first covers the type’s development, along with its quarter century of operational service, a remarkable achievement given the pace of armour innovation during the 1920s and 1930s. It contains 24 archive photos, taken between 1918 and 1944 and covers in action, parade and captured scenes. Modellers will be delighted with the walk-round, which features 132 colour photos of preserved exhibits (probably from the Musée des blindés de Saumur) on 65 pages. The final section is a gorgeous collection of colour digital artwork depicting cutaways, part-views, close-ups and individual sections (running gear and armament), which builds on the walk-round collection and offers an unprecedented level of detail for modellers. This is yet another invaluable reference from Kagero and the authors should be commended for the volume’s concise, well-designed and informative nature. No scale drawings are supplied, but these are available separately as a Top Drawings publication (#47). SF
BERLIN BATTLE REHEARSAL
879 pages
Armoured Warfare in the Battle for Budapest
By: Norbert Számvéber
ISBN: 978-615-5583-09-4
Price: £44.99 Format: 237 x 169mm
Web: www.panzerwrecks.com
Noted historian Norbert Számvéber’s account of the battle for Budapest is easily the most comprehensive study of this crucial period between October 29, 1944 and January 1, 1945. These events were set against the background of Soviet advances into Eastern Europe, Romania’s abandonment of the Axis cause, and Hungary’s attempts to follow suit. The author combines meticulously researched archival information with crew accounts, operational diaries and official planning documents in this superbly written narrative. All aspects of the battle are covered, including the Soviet perspective that it would serve as an ideal proving ground for the eventual conquest of Berlin itself. The detail is staggering, addressing strategicand tactical-level actions with aplomb; the latter descend to at least Company level. More than 70 pages of appendices supply information on unit composition, vehicle numbers and equipment. These are followed by a series of maps and organizational diagrams, furnishing all the information needed to accurately identify which German, Soviet and Romanian armoured vehicles were involved in the battle for Budapest. This isn’t a traditional modeller’s reference, as there are no photos, but it does contain a treasure trove of tactical information within its 879 pages. SF
AHEAD OF ITS TIME
80 pages
Northrop Flying Wings
By: Peter E Davies
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2507-0
Price: £13.99
Format: 248 x 184mm
When ‘flying wings’ are mentioned, it conjures thoughts of Horten designs or the B-2 bomber, but for more than a decade the phrase was synonymous with Northrop Aircraft Corporation/Incorporated propeller and jet innovations. This engaging narrative investigates the surprising longevity of this design concept, with links to drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, and includes offerings from Germany’s Lippisch and Horten companies, before focusing on Northrop’s efforts.
These were interspersed with more conventional designs, such as the P-61 and F-89 fighters and Snark cruise missile, and included propeller- and jet powered fighters and bombers. While the XB-35 and subsequent XB-49 were undoubtedly stunning concepts, the author highlights their teething problems, from powerplant and control issues, to the apparent reluctance of the US Air Force and Defence Department to adopt such radical configurations. Indeed, a strong argument is made that the latter political aspects were ultimately responsible for the eventual demise of Northrop’s flying wing aspirations in the early 1950s. Period photos are accompanied by superb digital artwork of the XP-79 fighter and XRB-49 bomber, with profiles of the XB-35 and -49. It’s perhaps ironic the USAF’s current B-2 and future B-21 (both built by Northrop) share the those same design principles. SF
BRITAIN’S LAST, AND BEST, BOMBER
223 pages
Buccaneer Boys
By: Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork
ISBN: 978-1-911621-07-2 Price: £12.99
Format: 234 x 153mm
Web: www.grubstreet.co.uk
If there’s one underlying characteristic of Grub Street’s Jet Age Series it’s the irreverence of many anecdotes, albeit mixed with serious elements of flying, training and crews mastering their mounts. It’s particularly notable in Buccaneer Boys, and the camaraderie within the entire force, not just RAF, RN or South African Air Force is unmistakable. This was regardless of whether they were ‘snow clearing’, embarrassing US Navy carriers, or describing the aftermath of flying incidents (the ‘parked’ Buccaneer takes some beating). The levity is in sharp contrast to the professionalism and high standards exercised at all times when training or in combat. As a collection of anecdotes from British (RAF and RN), American and South African pilots and navigators, it underlines the exacting nature of the intended wartime use (low-level attacks against Soviet warships and armoured units), and contrasts it with the eventual medium-altitude operations over Lebanon and Iraq. For those who enjoy air displays, there’s a pilot’s perspective on a fiveminute Buccaneer sequence that captures the hallmark exhilaration, hard-work and attention to detail of those crews… and for once the words beat any photo. This is a superb compilation of stories and well worth considering. SF
FIGHTING ON BOTH SIDES
157 pages
Operational History of the Hungarian Armoured Troops
By: Péter Mujzer
ISBN: 978-83-66148-07-9
Price: €23.75 Format: A4
Web: www.kagero.pl
This is the second Photosniper volume dedicated to Hungarian armoured units, and follows directly from the first (which covered the inception/ development of this organisation), and addresses how these formations performed during World War Two. The narrative is configured as a chronological description of events, operations and crew anecdotes, accompanied throughout by a collection of high-quality period photos, many of which haven’t been published previously. The author begins the account in 1938, and describes limited conflict with Czechoslovakia over Trans- Carpathian Ukraine, before examining effects of Hungary’s uneasy neutrality until 1941, when it entered World War Two on Germany’s side. Operations are analysed in depth, usually unit by unit, and these offer modellers much inspiration for build projects, while the crew accounts provide an insight into life on the front lines. An air of desperation between 1944-45 is captured well, with Hungary occupied by German forces, yet defending against Soviet attacks. The final section, which comprises three elements is grist to the modeller’s mill, as it offers unit order of battle tables (including turret numbers for tanks), colourised photos from World War Two, and 18 colour profiles of tanks, tank destroyers and self-propelled artillery. SF
BALKAN TONES
296 pages
Bulgarian Fighter Colours 1919-1948
By: Dénes Bernád
ISBN: 978-83-65958-18-1
Price: £40
Format: 303 x 215mm
Web: www.mmpbooks.biz
Despite serving on both sides of the conflict during World War Two, Bulgaria’s involvement seems to have attracted less attention than other participants, but the country still endured a threeyear Allied aerial campaign, especially from 1943 onwards. This veritable magnum opus (the first of two volumes on the subject) is the result of a ten-year effort by the author to investigate and document the colours and markings of Bulgarian Air Force fighters and trainers between 1919 and 1948. It begins by highlighting the differences between shades used on Bulgarian aircraft (a mix of German and Czech designs) from those on similar German machines, despite many of the paints and lacquers being supplied by the latter. A treatise on markings and serials follows, as the country experimented with crosses, roundels, triangles before settling on a form of its national coat of arms. Aircraft are then dealt with by type; each respective chapter includes serial numbers, descriptions of standard and special schemes/markings and an operational history, plus period photos and full colour profiles. These latter aspects will be invaluable to modellers, and while the photos don’t include walk-rounds, they offer plenty of guidance and inspiration. SF
SUPERB CARICATURES
156 pages
How to Make Toon Models Tutorial
By: Nikolas ‘Nikki’ Triantafillou
EAN: 8-436564-929013
Price: €24.95
Format: A4
If there’s a holy grail for manufacturers, it’s attracting younger modellers to the hobby, while still providing sufficient challenges for those with more experience. In terms of tutorials, AK Interactive might just have nailed it with this ‘Toon Models’ volume, as the images and thoughtful design will appeal to youngsters, while the building, painting and weathering techniques vary from the basic to advanced. As for the subjects, these are all part of what can loosely be described as the ‘super-deformed’ category, which incorporates the likes of Egg-style (Hasegawa), Deals Wheels (Revell), and World War Toons (Meng) offerings… basically caricatures of figures, aircraft, cars, tanks and ships. Builds aren’t presented in any order of difficulty, with easy kits mixed in with more difficult projects, plus there is a varied progression in terms of painting (brush/airbrush), degree of weathering and overall difficulty (notably on figures); it even offers advice on scratch-building to achieve a specific appearance. This is an ideal manual to get most modellers as their first ‘how-to’ guide, and there’s plenty of techniques to try — best of all the authors manage to make this appear as much fun on the pages as it undoubtedly is to achieve. SF
