Search the Community

North American Aviation B-45 Tornado Warpaint No.118 Guideline Publications The B-45 was a product of late WWII developed when the US were alarmed by the Arado Ar-234 Jet Bomber, as such the use of swept wings had not been brought in yet and it was a straight winged design with twin podded engines. While a lot of projects were cancelled post war the US chose to keep with the design as future projects were still to far away, however production was limited due to USAF budget cuts to only 142 aircraft. The design did have issues mainly with the engines and it did not look good. However US involvement in Korea and the development of smaller Nuclear Weapons lead to their use in Europe as part of the deterrence structure. At the same time the RB-45 was developed as a strategic reconnaissance platform with 33 being built. These all being assigned to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. Originally flying from Japan to supplement their RB-29s which were easy targets for MiG-15s over Korea. These flew daylight missions until one was lost to a MiG-15, then they were switched to night missions. As well as these missions they would conduct over flights of the USSR until this was stopped the President. The radar data was still needed of targets in the USSR for SAC bombers and in 1951 in 1951 4 aircraft were "leased" to the RAF. These American aircraft suitably adorned with RAF markings and RAF crews would then fly missions from RAF Sculthorpe. The RB-45 was then replaced by the Canberra as the RB-45 could only achieve 36,000 Feet which was within the capabilities of Soviet Fighters where as the Canberra could reach 54,000 Feet. Today two B-45's survive in museums and only one RB-45. Conclusion The Warpaint series always gets a thumbs-up due to their inability to produce a dud! They are always well written and informative with a wealth of picture and profiles, this edition also having 1/72 scale plans at the centre. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Warpaint Special No.4 Cessna Bird Dog Guideline Publications The Cessna Bird Dog was a military version of the Cessna 170, called the Model 305A by them. It was developed to a US Army requirement for a two seat observation and liaison aircraft. The design featured a single engine high wing monoplane with a tail wheel configuration. This was the first all metal fixed wing aircraft ordered by the US Army after aviation was split on the formation of the Air Force in 1947. As well as the US Army the aircraft would be operated by the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force famously in the Forward Air Control role in Vietnam. US Forces would lose 469 aircraft in the conflict in total. The aircraft would also serve in many other militaries around the world including Australia, Canada, Japan, Spain, and South Vietnam to name a few. Over 3000 were built and there are still some 300 on the US civil register today. The book looks at the development and use of the aircraft . The 63 pages include a lot of useful pictures with informative captions, as well as details of the nations that operated the Bird Dog with colour profiles of some, and a centre section with technical drawings. The is a walkaround section featuring an aircraft restored to US Army O-1E status. and representing an aircraft operated in South Vietnam between 1963-64. Conclusion The Warpaint series always gets a thumbs-up due to their inability to produce a dud! They are always well written and informative with a wealth of picture and profiles. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Warpaint Series No 115 Following the now standard format for Warpaint Books series of monographs, this title covers the history, design and operation of the AW Albemarle. Written by Tony Butler, the book, printed on 29 pages, is a mine of information for those modellers who wish to build this interesting, if rather overlooked aircraft. The story is told right from the beginning with Air Ministry demand for an aircraft that didn’t use strategic material such as the light alloys as normally used in the construction of aircraft. Using steel tube and wood it became the only major British aircraft to enter production in WW2 with a tricycle undercarriage. The text is accompanied by many period photographs, along with colour plates with various views, showing the camouflage and markings used on these aircraft. On the centre pages there are a series of line drawings, mainly side views, but also some front, rear and lower views showing the differences brought about by the conversion to glider tug. Naturally, there are no photos of extant machines, as none survived the ending of the war. Conclusion I have always liked the look of the Albemarle, it had a certain charm and handsome ruggedness about it. It certainly looked better than it flew apparently. As with the rest of the series, this book is a must have for modellers as it provides so much information, not only in the text, but also the period photographs and colour side views. With kits of the Albemarle available in 1/72 scale from Valom it is a must have in your research library. Review sample courtesy of

Douglas A3D Skywarrior Warpaint Series No.112 This latest volume in the Warpaint series by Guideline covers the Douglas A3D Skywarrior and its variants. The book is produced in Guideline's standard Warpaints layout with this volume being compiled and presented by Charles Stafrace. Full colour profile illustrations are provided by Richard J. Caruana who has also included two large profile and plan diagrams to 1:72 scale. There are 90 pages of historical content which is nicely interspersed with good quality photographs of the relevant aircraft being discussed with most of the images being in colour. For those who are not interested in 'boring grey' machines, there are quite a few hi-vis liveries included as shown on the page below. One interesting aspect, of use to the historians and modellers alike, is the inclusion of six pages that detail the deployments of the aircraft to Carrier Air Wings and their parent carrier. The list includes CVW designations, dates joined and left, plus Theatre of Operation (i.e.Vietnam etc.) and airframe type. The photos that intersperse the narrative are clear and of good quality and show some unusual modifications and markings. This should please those modellers who wish to enhance their builds with something a little different from the norm. The book finishes off with a few pages of close-up views, showing detailed views of the aircraft. There is also a page depicting the kits, decals and accessories and these details include producer, part-reference number, scale and aircraft version. Some of the items listed are possibly not currently available but it is still a good reference for the modeller. Two large sets of diagrams have been drawn by Richard J. Caruana to 1:72 scale. Both sheets are printed on a single pull-out sheet, measuring 59cm x 40cm, and provide details of the A3D-2 (early); A-3B; A-3D; EA-3B; ERA-3B and KA-3B airframes. The view below shows a section of one of the sheets. Conclusion This a very interesting book and I have enjoyed reading the narratives and seeing liveries and markings that I didn't realise were in use during the A-3's timeline. There should certainly be plenty to interest any post-war, US Navy, large jet aircraft enthusiasts with the content contained in which, in my view, is an excellent publication and highly recommended to adorn anyone's aviation/naval shelves. Review sample courtesy of

Airlift Force RAF Transport Command 1948-1967 ISBN : 978190856310 Guideline Publications It would seem that in RAF service, like life the more Glamorous Fighters, and even bombers get the limelight while other aircraft do their jobs without getting notice. However to this reviewer what shouts RAF more than the VC-10 or the Hercules? indeed on a recent visit to RAF Cosford as well as maybe the V Bombers the main hall is dominated by the Belfast, Hastings and York. It is just a pity there is not a Comet there as well. This new book from Guideline Publications looks at history of the RAF's transport command from 1948 until 1967 when it became RAF Support Command. Following on from the massive effort of the Berlin Airlift, through the post war contraction Transport Command seemed fade from the public's eye. Despite this they would continue to support RAF operations the largest being the Suez crisis of 1956. Aircraft such as the Beverley and Hastings would come on stream and the Command was a supporter of the Comet. Later they would get new aircraft in the form of the Belfast, Andover, and VC-10. Even though emphasis is on the larger aircraft, smaller types such as the Dove, Twin Pioneer; and Helicopters such as the Belvedere is covered. The book looks at RAF Transport Command with the following chapters; In The Beginning Post War Contraction & the Berlin Airlift Pared to the Bone Turbine Power Arrives Operation Musketeer - Suez 1956 Beyond the Comet 1966 - Three New Aircraft Aircraft in Service 1948-67 RAF Transport Command Sqns 1948-67 The End.... and a New Beginning.. The book is A4 softbound and 90 pages long. It is illustrated throughout with black and white, & colour photographs. Conclusion If you're interested in the transport side of the Royal Air Force, then Transport Command was this at its pinnacle, Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Vought OS2U Kingfisher Warpaint Series No.111 When the US Navy arrived at Scapa Flow in 1917 they were surprised that Royal Navy ships of all sizes carried down to Cruisers carried a aircraft for spotting duties. This was soon remedied, however most were biplanes which had to then be replaced by newer monoplane aircraft. The 1930s saw a flurry of designs put forward for a replacement. The Kingfisher was one such design from Vought. The aircraft would feature innovations such as spot welding which was designed in conjunction with the USN to create less drag; in addition the aircraft would feature spoilers and drooping ailerons which increased the wing camber to create additional lift. The aircraft was armed with a forward firing .30 calibre machine gun, while for defence the rear gunner had a pair of .30 calibre guns on a scarff mount. The aircraft could also carry two 100lb bombs or 325lb depth charges. The first aircraft were delivered in 1940 and some were at Pearl Harbour when it was attacked. The aircraft served in its float plane guise which most of us know but also served with a wheeled undercarriage as well. Aircraft served in all areas of the war conducting training, scouting, Search & Rescue, escort duties and shore bombardment. As well as with the USN the aircraft would serve with the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Russian Navy, Cuban Naval Aviation, Chilean Navy, and the Uruguayan Navy all under lend lease. Post war aircraft also served in Mexico, and The Dominican Republic. This volume of Warpaint is the standard A4 book with 45 pages. It features substantial pages of colour profiles featuring all the users. The book is illustrated with many photographs including period colour ones where they could be found. A small section at the rear of the book shows detailed pictures of the air frame, and there is a listing of available kits, decals and other aftermarket parts. Conclusion This series of books is now well over the hundred mark and still going strong. This is another great book and is Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark and EF-111A Raven Warpaint Series No.104 Controversy and competency is the best way to describe the first variable geometry combat aircraft to enter operational service anywhere in the world. This was the F-111 Aardvark, the typical Cold War below the radar strike bomber. It was born in one of the most politically-motivated and incompetent procurement processes ever, and experienced a troublesome gestation period with spiralling costs in development and production, and an unimpressive first deployment to Vietnam in 1967. Yet, all this was forgotten when the F-111 matured and proved itself to become a devastating weapon and a formidable penetration strike aircraft in its second tour in Southeast Asia in 1972-73, helping to prove that its sophisticated attack and terrain-following radar systems enabled the delivery of a large number of ordnance with unerring accuracy at ultra-low level in a hostile environment. Thus equipped, the F-111's long-range all weather missions on targets in Libya in 1986 and in the Gulf War of 1991 confirmed that the Aardvark had become the spearhead of Tactical Air Command and USAFE, and for many years represented the cutting edge of NATO's deep strike forces. It is enough to say that during the Gulf War only two aircraft types were allowed to attack downtown Baghdad and avert collateral damage: the F-117 and the F-111. The longer-span FB-111 was developed with bombing avionics for undertaking the nuclear delivery role with Strategic Air Command, while later still a major re-do resulted in the EF-111A Raven in which were installed the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art electronic countermeasures and signals jamming systems available to assist in SEAD missions. The swing-wing F-111 was a familiar sight in Britain in the 1980s and early 1990s when it equipped two USAFE wings at Lakenheath and Upper Heyford, the latter base also hosting a squadron of EF-111As during part of the same period. The F-111 tactical strike fighter served with the RAAF as well, and was retired from service as recently as 2010. The F-111 was even ordered by the Royal Air Force in the late 1960s to replace the cancelled TSR.2 but was then itself cancelled at great expense amid nationwide controversy to which a whole chapter is dedicated in this publication. The Book This new title, produced by Charles Stafrace and presented in the now familiar blue card covers with an evocative colour image of the F-111 in flight, should be very welcome for post war jet fans. There are 96 pages, including the covers and general-arrangement plans, and it is brimming with historical and technical information, complimented with colour and monochrome photo's, profiles plus tabulated data inserts of specifications. There are thirty-nine full colour side profile illustrations; all drawn by Richard J. Caruana, with some giving three or four views that delineate the camouflage and also shows the position of markings and emblems on the various aircraft. Throughout the book the development, history and politics of the F-111's career is written in an easy to comprehend style, with one hundred and eighty colour plus twenty nine monochrome photographs accompanying the text to highlight the aspects described. The profiles are accompanied by short descriptive narratives, each providing specific details of a certain aircraft; by type, bu number, where based and time period referred to in the drawing. Occasionally, an additional plan view is inserted; as with the version below, which has been drawn specifically to highlight markings that appear on the top of the wings and fuselage. In addition to the detailed and informative textual history, there are tabulated data sheets included as inserts at various stages throughout this publication. The example below shows the US Air Forces serial number allocations to the F-111 and EF-111A production programme. The book is sub-divided into sections by type, with the first section covering the F-111 version and the second section covering the history of the EF-111A electronic warfare variant. As already mentioned, the information and history is interspersed with good quality colour or monochrome photographs; each with a short dialogue pertaining to that aircraft's history or markings etc. Most Warpaint series have a pull-out plan inserted, either in the centre pages or inside the back cover. The plans for this edition are printed on one A3 size sheet and show side profiles of the F-111 and EF-111A series on one page plus top and underside plans on the second page. These plans are printed to 1:72 scale by Richard J. Caruana. Conclusion This new Warpaint title explains the F-111's development, service history, failures and successes, in all its versions whilst in service with both USAF and RAAF, with full text and supplemented with specifications; squadron tables and more than 180 photos, most of which are in colour. Review sample courtesy of

Consolidated B-24 Liberator Warpaint Series No.96 In 1934 the United States Army Air Corps (US AAC) issued a directive, known as 'Project A', for a design to be produced for a long-range heavy bomber, which would have a range of 5,000 miles (8,045km); at a speed of 200-250mph (320-400kph); with the ability to carry a bomb-load of 2,000lb (907Kg). This defined range was judged to be sufficient for the defence of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and Panama. The directive was issued to Boeing, Douglas and Martin aircraft companies for them to submit appropriate designs for selection. Boeing produced a winning design in their Model 299, of which a prototype was built and flown in 1935 and designated YB-17. Boeing was awarded a contract to produce the aircraft, by then designated the B-17 and full production started in 1939 and had the claim to be the fastest and highest climbing bomber in the world at that time. In 1938 the US AAC approached Consolidated Aircraft Company with the aim of getting this company to produce more of Boeing's B-17's under licence, thereby enhancing the production rate of these aircraft; however Consolidated had their own design for a very long range bomber using a new aerofoil type of wing, which had been previously patented for a seaplane, the Model 29. Consolidated was awarded the contract to design and build a test frame similar to the B-17 but after many design changes and adaptations the final prototype looked totally different and was designated the XB-24. Final acceptance, in the form of the YB-24 in 1939 led to the start of production of the B-24 version in 1941 and was supplied to both the US AAC and Britain from the outset and went on to become the world's most produced bomber - The Liberator. The Book Number 96 in Warpaint Books' series of aircraft titles, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator is considerably larger in content than most previous volumes; being 120 pages compared to the average 50 - 80 pages. The design continues with the longstanding and successful layout; which was originated by the late Alan W. Hall, of descriptive narratives detailing the history, advancements and variants that evolved, interspersed with good quality colour and black/white photographs, and illustrated with fine colour profile drawings professionally produced by Richard J. Caruana. The book, which has been excellently compiled by Ian White, starts with a typical introduction and explanation of the design history of the B-24 Liberator and this is complemented with black and white photographs of early design and production variants. Throughout the book there are tabulated information sheets, detailing aircraft serials and types; allocated formations and bases and also includes listings of aircraft allocated to British units with their serial numbers. There are other tables that include details of axis submarines sunk by AAC and USN Liberators and also some which were operated by Air Transport Command's civilian airlines. Another nice addition is the inclusion of colour maps, each showing operational areas with their base names and allocated units. Not only are the bomber units described, such as those of the US Eighth & Fifteenth Air Forces; RAF 100 Group and RAF Middle East etc., but also the B-24 variants which were used by RAF and Commonwealth maritime squadrons. The colour profile illustrations enhance the narrative and the illustrator is to be congratulated on deciphering the colours and markings which, for many, must have been interpreted from black and white wartime images. It is not just the B-24 that is fully described and illustrated in this fine volume but also its near sister the PB4Y-2 Privateer; the central vertical tail version operated by the US Navy & Coast Guard and which also saw service in the RAF as the Commando. The B-24 Liberator and PB4Y-2 Privateer also had a successful post-war life, both in military and civilian service; including BOAC and QANTAS. There are some nice photos of aircraft in civilian guise, both in black & white and colour, which are accompanied by small discriptives of their operating airlines; such as Scottish Airline Ltd; Hellenic Airlines; Ste de Transports Aeriens Alpes Provence and Flight Refuelling Ltd as examples. The penultimate section contains various in-detail photos including a walkaround of the Liberator at the RAF Museum at Cosford and show Liberator B.VI, serial KN751. The final section consists of three pages of tables with listings of B-24 model kits; by scale, producer and version - plus decals and aftermarket products to enhance these kits. It is not clear whether these listings are of all kits, decals and aftermarket items that are currently available or a complete breakdown of what is and has been available but possibly now out of production. At the end of the book there is a set of general arrangement plans to 1:72 scale. Obviously at this scale the plans need to be large and these are produced on a glossy, landscape format, double sided A2 sheet which is bound within the last page and the end cover. The image below shows part of a plan on one side produced on an A4 size sheet. As you can see this only shows a quarter of the whole plan and there are two of these. The only criticism here, which is a minor one, is of the binding of the plans into the book. This obviously prevents the plan from becoming detached from the book and lost, however - being so large and folded to fit, it is not possible to open up the plans without having to cut them from the book. Conclusion This is another excellent book from the Warpaint publishers and is profusely covered throughout its 120 pages of historical data, photographs and profiles. The size of the book is to be applauded, with over 160 b/w & 27 colour photos; 26 datasheets; 37 full colour side-profiles on 6 pages; 6 maps and a large A2 size, two-sided set of plans on glossy heavy paper. All together this book should become an essential and major reference work on the B-24 Liberator and be kept near the modelling bench. Review sample courtesy of .

S-75 Dvina - SA-2 Guideline SAM - Fan Song Acquisition Radar. Pics taken at The Polish Aviation Museum, Cracow, by Mike Costello.

The Soviet S-75 Dvina, NATO reporting name SA-2 Guideline surface to air Missile, pics by bootneck Mike.