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DKM Heavy Cruiser Admiral Hipper Kagero Super Drawings in 3D Admiral Hipper, the first of five ships of her class, was the lead ship of the Admiral Hipper class of heavy cruisers which served with Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. The ship was laid down at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg in July 1935 and launched February 1937; and entered service shortly before the outbreak of war, in April 1939. The ship was named after Admiral Franz von Hipper, commander of the German battlecruiser squadron during the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and later commander-in-chief of the German High Seas Fleet. Admiral Hipper saw a significant amount of action during the war. She led the assault on Trondheim during Operation Weserübung; while en route to her objective, she sank the British destroyer HMS Gloworm. In December 1940, she broke out into the Atlantic Ocean to operate against Allied merchant shipping, though this operation ended without significant success. In February 1941, Admiral Hipper sortied again, sinking several merchant vessels before eventually returning to Germany via the Denmark Strait. The ship was then transferred to northern Norway to participate in operations against convoys to the Soviet Union, culminating in the Battle of the Barents Sea on 31 December 1942, where she sank the destroyer Achates and the Minesweeper Bramble but was in turn damaged and forced to withdraw by the light cruisers HMS Sheffield and HMS Jamaica. Disappointed by the failure to sink merchant ships in that battle, Adolf Hitler ordered the majority of the surface warships scrapped, though Admiral Karl Dönitz was able to convince Hitler to retain the surface fleet. As a result, Admiral Hipper was returned to Germany and decommissioned for repairs. The ship was never restored to operational status, however, and on 3 May 1945, Royal Air Force bombers severely damaged her while she was in Kiel. Her crew scuttled the ship at her moorings, and in July 1945, she was raised and towed to Heikendorfer Bay. She was ultimately broken up for scrap in 1948–1952; her bell resides in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. This softback book, in their Super Drawings in 3D series is another brilliant addition to this ever increasing range. The 3D renderings are as beautiful as ever and show the ship as she was in December 1942. As usual you get a full tour of the ship showing the tiniest detail in a format that can really help the modeller, especially as there are areas or points of view that you just wouldn’t get in photographs. The whole ship above the waterline is covered with just a cursory glance at the propellers. Perhaps the only area they could improve these books is with the inclusion of some of the underwater fittings and fixtures. The first eight pages contain the text which covers her design, development, powerplant, armament, anti-aircraft armament upgrades and her war history. The rest of the seventy seven pages are filled with the 3D renderings. In addition Kagero have also included an A1 double side sheet of plans, with one side contain full side, top down, bow and stern views in 1:350. The other side contains a ¾ view off the bow in what looks like 1:200 scale along with some large scale drawings of the ships foreward turrets Anton and Bruno, along with three styles of ships boats. Conclusion The clarity of each rendering is what makes this series of books a must have for anyone interested in maritime history in general or these ships in particular. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

DKM Pocket Battleship Graf Spee Kagero TopDrawings Graf Spee, in full Admiral Graf von Spee, German pocket battleship of 10,000 tons launched in 1936. The Graf Spee was more heavily gunned than any cruiser and had a top speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 12,500 miles (20,000 km). After sinking several merchant ships in the Atlantic, the Graf Spee was sighted on Dec. 13, 1939, off the Río de la Plata estuary by a British search group consisting of the cruisers Exeter, Ajax, and Achilles, commanded by Commodore H. Harwood. At 6:14 am Harwood’s three ships attacked, but in a little more than an hour the Graf Spee had damaged the Exeter and driven off the other two cruisers. The Graf Spee then made off in the direction of Montevideo, Uruguay, where its commander, Captain Hans Langsdorff, obtained permission to stay for four days to repair damage. The British devoted the period to intense diplomatic and intelligence activity in order to keep the Graf Spee in harbour while they brought up heavy reinforcements. On December 17, however, when the Graf Spee put to sea again, only the Cumberland had arrived to reinforce the Ajax and the Achilles. The fight that the British had anticipated never took place: Captain Langsdorff, believing that a superior force awaited him, had his crew scuttle their ship; three days later Langsdorff shot himself. This softback book, in their Topdrawing series is a mine of information for the maritime modeller. Consisting of twenty three pages this is very similar to the 3D Drawing series but without the range of colourful renderings, this book is filled with line drawings. This actually makes it easier to see what’s what as you’re not distracted by the colour schemes, although in the centre of the book there are four colour plates of the ship viewed from bow, stern, port side, starboard side and top down. Each line drawing is very nicely done, concentrating on each section of the ships hull from Bow to stern via the bridge tower and funnel. Interspersed between eh larger drawings there are numerous smaller diagrams of individual pieces of equipment, such as the turrets, winches, ships boats, radar/rangefinders and ships cranes. The drawings on the secondary and tertiary armament are particularly detailed, for those modellers who wish to take their detailing to the nth degree. Included with the book is an A1 sheet with line drawings of the ship of the ship in 1:200 scale, (hopefully Trumpeter or Merit International will oblige us with a kit in this scale soon), and a drawing of the Arado 196A floatplane, drawn in 1:72. Conclusion If you use this book in combination with the 3D drawings title you will have a most comprehensive reference for modelling the Graff Spee, whatever the scale you choose. The drawings in this title are so clear, easy to view and interpret I can recommend this title very highly. Review sample courtesy of

USS North Carolina Kagero Super Drawings in 3D The North Carolina was laid down on 27 October 1937 at the New York Naval Shipyard and launched on 13 June 1940, sponsored by the daughter of Clyde R. Hoey, the Governor of North Carolina. She was commissioned in New York City on 9 April 1941, with Captain Olaf M. Hustvedt in command. The first of the U.S. Navy's fast battleships to be commissioned, she carried a powerful main battery of nine 16 in (410 mm)/45 calibre Mark 6 guns. The ship received so much attention during her completion and sea trials that she won the lasting nickname of "Showboat". The North Carolina was limited to a standard displacement of 35,000 long tons (36,000 t) by both the Washington Naval Treaty and the London Naval Treaty, to a beam of less than 110 ft (34 m) by the width of the locks of the Panama Canal, and to a draft of 38 ft (12 m) so she could use as many anchorages and shipyards as possible. Thus constricted, she proved a challenge to design. As the first American battleship to be built in two decades, the North Carolina was given the latest in shipbuilding technology. To save weight, she was welded rather than riveted together. Her propulsion was divided into four main spaces, each with two boilers and one steam turbine per propeller shaft. This resulted in fewer openings in watertight bulkheads and minimized the area requiring protection by additional armour plate. Her propulsion systems (boilers/turbines/shafts/propellers) suffered numerous teething troubles which were reflected in long post-commissioning defect correction period which lasted April-December 1941. Her sister USS Washington suffered equally, and neither ship was ever able to achieve their designed deep load speed of 28 knots. On the plus side however, she was also one of just 14 ships to receive the early RCA CXAM-1 radar, and a heavy (for the day) light anti-aircraft armament. Aesthetically, her large tower forward, tall uncluttered stacks, and clean superstructure and hull were a sharp break from the elaborate bridgework, heavy tripod masts, and casemated secondary batteries of World War I-era battleships. Combined with her long sweeping flush deck and streamlined structure, she was far more graceful not only than her predecessors but the nearly 50' shorter South Dakota-class battleships that succeeded her. At the time of her commissioning on 9 April 1941, she was considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. Armed with nine 16-inch/45 calibre guns in three turrets and twenty 5-inch/38 calibre guns in ten twin mounts, she proved a formidable weapons platform. Her wartime complement consisted of 144 commissioned officers and 2,195 enlisted men, including about 100 Marines. During World War II, the North Carolina participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific area of operations and earned 15 battle stars. In the Battle of the Eastern Solomon’s in August of 1942, the Battleship’s anti-aircraft barrage helped save the carrier USS Enterprise, thereby establishing the primary role of the fast battleship as protector of aircraft carriers. One of her Kingfisher pilots performed heroically during the strike on Truk when he rescued ten downed Navy aviators on 30 April 1944. In all, the North Carolina carried out nine shore bombardments, sank an enemy troopship, destroyed at least 24 enemy aircraft, and assisted in shooting down many more. Her anti-aircraft guns helped halt or frustrate scores of attacks on aircraft carriers. She steamed over 300,000 miles. Although Japanese radio announcements claimed six times that she had been sunk, she survived many close calls and near misses with one hit when a Japanese torpedo slammed into the Battleship’s hull on 15 September 1942. A quick response on the part of the crew allowed the mighty ship to keep up with the fleet. By war’s end, the Ship lost only ten men in action and had 67 wounded. After serving as a training vessel for midshipmen, NORTH CAROLINA was decommissioned 27 June 1947 and placed in the Inactive Reserve Fleet in Bayonne, New Jersey, for the next 14 years. In 1958 the announcement of her impending scrapping led to a State wide campaign by citizens of North Carolina to save the ship from being scrapped and bring her back to her home state. The Save Our Ship (SOS) campaign was successful and the Battleship arrived in her current berth on 2 October 1961. She was dedicated on 29 April 1962 as the State's memorial to its World War II veterans and the 10,000 people from the State who died during the war. This book from Kagero is in the form of the now standard 3D format with the first eight pages dedicated to the history of design, construction, and her Service in the Pacific, general characteristics and the Post War Years with her dedication as a memorial to the citizens of the State who gave their lives during WWII. The rest of the book is filled with the highly detailed 3D renderings of every part of the main decks and superstructure. All the drawings are supremely well done with a consistency that has made this series of books an absolute goldmine of information for the modeller. The researcher will be able to find some beautiful overall views of the ship, along with the locations of the many different items of smaller equipment not normally shown in side drawings or plans, with the close-up detail that the most ardent detailer requires for their creations. Included with the book is a pull out double sided sheet, with line drawings of various ships equipment in various scales from 1:50 to 1:200 on one side plus the four view plans of the sides, front and rear views in 1:350 scale on the reverse, which is very helpful, as with the other books it clearly shows the rigging of the ship which can be awkward to see in photos. Conclusion This series of books just keeps on giving. In my opinion I don’t think any other single ship title can give the modeller/researcher so much of the detailed information of location, shapes, style and overall fitting of all the equipment that makes a ship what she is, at least on the surface. Having started my Trumpeter 1:350 scale model of the USS North Carolina, I’m glad I waited for this release before continuing above main deck level. So hopefully in the near future I will be able to complete her with the use of this book. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Panzerjäger 38(t) Hetzer & G-13 - Vol II Kagero Photosniper 3D - Casemate Publishing The German Hetzer (Baiter) was a light tank destroyer of the Second World War based on a modified Czechoslovakian Panzer 38(t) chassis. The project was inspired by the Romanian Maresal tank destroyer. It was intend to be a cost effective tank destroyer using an existing proven chassis and carrying a relatively powerful 75mm gun. It succeeded the Marauder II in service. As a weapon it succeeded in its design brief by being by being cheap to build, reliable and small enough to be easily concealed on the battlefield. The Czech factories which produced the Hetzer for the Germans continued to produce them after the war for training, and for export as the G-13. These were sold to the Swiss, and this is the source of most of the vehicles we see restored today. Initially the book gives the reader 24 pages if history on the vehicle including many black and white photos, they also include a set of 1:35 scale drawings. The centre of the book features a walkaround of a vehicle used by a Polish re-enactment group "Die Freiwillingen". Their machine is painted to resemble a Hetzer of the "Hermann von Salza regiment, used on the outskirts of Berlin in 1945. There follows a comprehensive set of 3D renders from inside, and outside of a Hetzer. The volume then wraps up with a series of colour profiles showing the main different camouflage schemes which were applied. Conclusion This book is certainly a good read. The history section is excellent on its own. The series of 2D and 3D drawings will be of immeasurable value to the modeller, as will be the colour profiles. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

DKM Battlecruiser Gneisenau Kagero Super Drawings in 3D Gneisenau was ordered as Ersatz Hessen as a replacement for the old pre-dreadnought Hessen, under the contract name "E." The Deutsche Werke in Kiel was awarded the contract, where the keel was laid on 6 May 1935. The ship was launched on 8 December 1936, after which fitting-out out work was begun. The ship was completed in May 1938 and commissioned for sea trials on the 21st, under the command of Kapitän zur See (KzS) Erich Förste. The trials revealed a dangerous tendency to ship considerable amounts of water in heavy seas. This caused flooding in the bow and damaged electrical systems in the forward gun turret. As a result, she went back to the dockyard for extensive modification of the bow. The original straight stem was replaced with a raised "Atlantic bow." A diagonal cap was fitted to the smoke stack to keep the main mast free of smoke. The modifications were completed by September 1939, by which time the ship was finally fully operational. Gneisenau displaced 32,100 long tons (32,600 t) as built and 38,100 long tons (38,700 t) fully loaded, with a length of 234.9 m (771 ft), a beam of 30 m (98 ft) and a maximum draft of 9.9 m (32 ft). She was powered by three Germania geared steam turbines, which developed a total of 165,930 shaft horsepower (123,730 kW) and yielded a maximum speed of 31.3 knots, (58.0 km/h) on speed trials. Her standard crew numbered 56 officers and 1,613 enlisted men, though during the war this was augmented up to 60 officers and 1,780 men. While serving as a squadron flagship, Gneisenau carried an additional ten officers and 61 enlisted men. She was armed with nine 28 cm (11.1 in) L/54.5 guns arranged in three triple gun turrets: two superfiring turrets forward—Anton and Bruno—and one aft—Caesar. Her secondary armament consisted of twelve 15 cm (5.9 in) L/55 guns, fourteen 10.5 cm (4.1 in) L/65 and sixteen 3.7 cm (1.5 in) L/83, and initially ten 2 cm (0.79 in) anti-aircraft guns. The number of 2 cm guns was eventually increased to thirty-eight. Six 53.3 cm (21.0 in) above-water torpedo tubes, taken from the light cruisers Nürnberg and Leipzig, were installed in 1942. This is the latest book in Kageros series in 3D format with the first ten pages describing the design, construction, armament, and general characteristics, along with the ships operational history and eventual demise. The rest of the book is filled with the highly detailed 3D renderings these books have become renowned for, covering every part of the main decks, superstructure, armament, fixtures and fittings. As usual the drawings are beautifully done with some excellent views for us modellers in showing items you wouldn’t normally notice, or even see. The colour schemes are also noteworthy in that they show the different coloured turret tops depending on which operation she was involved with. Included with the book are two pull out double sided sheets, with line drawings of various ships equipment in 1:100 and 1:350 on one sheet, plus front and rear views in 1:350 scale on the other, with further details in 1:350 on its reverse. This issue also comes with a full colour A3 poster with the ships plan views on one side and the three quarter view on the other along with further detailed drawings of various pieces of equipment. Conclusion This is another great addition to the series. Although this one doesn’t match a particular ship model, as the only kits released are in 1:700 and 1:400, but it could be a very useful reference point for those modellers who wish to convert the Dragon 1:350 Scharnhorst to Gneisenau’s configuration. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hello all! I have seen that there is a lot of interest in many of the titles that we publish and distribute, so we have set up a discount code for you to use on all your favourite modelling titles! Use the code 'BRITMOD15' at the checkout to get 20% off ALL of the modelling titles in your basket! Enjoy, and happy shopping! - Andy

Fokker Dr.I Kagero Legends of Aviation in 3D - Casemate Publishing Inspired by the Sopwith Triplane which entered frontline service in 1916 which was able to outperform the Albatross, (the Germans most effective fighter at the time); the Fokker Dr-1 Triplane became one of the most famous fighters of WW1, particularly in the hands of pilots such as Manfred Von Richthofen and Werner Voss. This publication from Kagero via Casemate publishing covers all aspects of the Dr-1s inception, design, paint schemes and combat history within the first 36 out of a total of 140 pages. The rest of the book is filled with wonderfully rendered pictures of the aircraft in various states of deconstruction, showing all parts in beautiful detail, excellent for the superdetailer. The depth of detail shown is pretty amazing, right down to the machine gun fixings, wing design and rigging. The final 8 pages of pictures look really odd, looking like they are out of register. Until, that is, you use the provided 3D glasses and all becomes clear as the drawings jump out of the page. Whilst these last 8 pages do not add much to the book, they do not detract from it either. The glasses themselves are not the best, and you have to hold them on your nose, they do add a bit of fun though. Conclusion This book is certainly a good read. The history section is excellent on its own. The series of 2D and 3D drawings will be of immeasurable value to the modeller. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Russian Protected Cruiser Kagero Super Drawings in 3D The Imperial Admiralty contracted William Cramp and Sons of Philadelphia to build the ship, and her keel was laid in October 1898. Launched on 31 October 1899, under Captain Vladimir Behr, she was commissioned into the Imperial Russian Navy on 2 January 1901. During the Battle of Chemulpo Bay at the start of the Russo-Japanese War, Varyag (under the command of Captain of the First Rank Vsevolod Rudnev) accepted a badly unequal battle with the Japanese squadron of Admiral Uriu (one armoured cruiser, five protected cruisers and eight destroyers) in a heroic attempt to break out from Chemulpo (Inchon) harbour 9 February 1904. Chemulpo was in neutral Korean waters. Admiral Uriu gave the Russian ships in harbour a written ultimatum to sail by 12:00 noon or be attacked in the harbour itself. Captain Rudnev sortied, accompanied by the gunboat Koreets; having lost 31 men dead, 191 injured (out of 570) and outgunned, both ships returned to harbour by 1:00 p.m., the crew decided not to surrender, but to sink the ship. The crew was saved by transferring them to the British cruiser Talbot, the French cruiser Pascal, and the Italian cruiser Elba; the captain of the American cruiser Vicksburg declined doing so as a violation of U.S. neutrality. In 1907, Vsevolod Rudnev (by that time dismissed from Russian naval service in the rank of rear admiral) was decorated with the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun for his heroism in that battle; although he accepted the order, he never wore it in public. Varyag was later salvaged by the Japanese and repaired. She served with the Imperial Japanese Navy as light cruiser Soya. During World War I, Russia and Japan were allies and several ships were transferred by the Japanese to the Russians. She was returned to the Imperial Russian Navy at Vladivostok on 5 April 1916 and renamed Varyag. In June, she departed for Murmansk via the Indian Ocean, arriving in November 1916. She was sent to Liverpool in Great Britain for an overhaul by Cammell Laird in February 1917, and was due to re-enter service with the Arctic squadron of the Russian Navy. However, following the Russian October Revolution on 7 November 1917 crewmen who had remained onboard hoisted the red flag and refused to set sail. On 8 December 1917 she was seized by a detachment of British soldiers. Assigned to the Royal Navy in February 1918, she ran aground while under tow off of Ireland, but was refloated and used as a hulk until 1919. She was then sold to a German firm in 1920 for scrap, but ran aground on rocks off the Scottish coast in the Firth of Clyde, while being towed to Germany. She was scrapped in place from 1923-1925. With their series of books in the 3D format Kagero never fails to deliver. This particular publication on the Russian protected cruiser Varyag not onlyprovides a superb history of the ship over the first 15 pages covering the following:- Design Naming of the ship Construction and Commissioning Hull Structure Armament Machinery Additional equipment Beginning of service Battle of Chempulo Bay Further fate of the ship The rest of the thirty nine pages are filled with beautifully rendered 3D drawings covering every part of the ships structure, weapons, boats and sundry equipment. The drawings are really clear and perfect for the maritime modeller to see all the useful details that could help make that masterpiece that we all strive for. Being in full colour also helps with the painting, but they only show the ship as she was when she wore the white and buff uppers and green anti-fouling, whereas at some point in her career she also wore red anti-fouling dark grey upper works; although they do show this scheme in four pictures at the end of the book. Unlike the rest of the series, this book does not come with the large full colour pullouts that complimented the previous releases. Instead you can order them, now rolled rather than folded, can be ordered from the Kagero website. Apparently the folded ones weren’t easy to frame? What you do get though is a nice set of plans on an A3 sheet, with 1:350 scale on one side and 1:700 scale on the other along with 1:100 scale diagrams on the armament and 1:200 scale of the ships boats. There is also an A3 poster with the full colour profiles of the ship in both of its main colour schemes. Conclusion Following the now tried and tested formula that Kagero have made their own this book is superbly produced. If you have a kit of the Varyag in your possession then you really need this book to make the very best of it. The plans and diagrams will be most helpful in the sort of areas the modeller rarely sees. Very highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

Arado Ar-196 Kagero Monograph No 45 Having recently reviewed the new Revell 1:32 Ar-106B kit, it was a pleasant surprise when this book arrived in the post form Casemate UK, although it might have been better had it arrived before I reviewed the kit. That said, the single float Ar-196B prototypes only get a slight mention at the beginning of the book and in a couple of the drawings whereas the rest is taken up with the Ar-196A. The full history of this popular aircraft is told through the text and the masses of period photographs in the seventy seven pages, from the prototypes, assembly lines, construction, uses, both from shore bases and capitol ships in all theatres. The most interesting photographs for me are the ones from the Scharnhorst and the pocket battleships of the Deutschland class. The next twelve pages contain line drawings and diagrams of the aircrafts structure, equipment and the rigging of the floats, including those with single main floats. Following the line drawings there are eight pages of profile plans covering the A and B models with annotations describing the differences, followed by six pages of colour plates along with two on the back cover, including an interesting one in Japanese markings. Conclusion Not only was the Arado Ar-196 one of the most popular floatplanes during the war, but this popularity has endured with like minded modellers and historians alike. The aircraft just look right and apparently it flew as well as it looked. The information contained in this book is superb, being very well researched and with the use of those wonderful period photographs makes for a fascinating read as well as a source of inspiration. It will certainly come in handy when you get one of Revells 1:32 kits on the workbench, particularly if you’re going to add all those details you didn’t know about, but now you do, you will want to add. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Junkers Ju-88 Volume II Kagero Monographs No 59 3D Edition Having reviewed the first volume on the Ju-88 HERE i though that this volume would cover other variants, it seems I was wrong. Whereas the last volume was mostly about the development and issuing of aircraft to squadrons, this volume deals with the aircrafts participation from the phoney war, 3rd September 1939 up to the end of the fighting in France in June 1940. It seems we’re due several more volumes on the Ju-88 in the future. That said it is still a very good book, with lots of information on the actions in which the aircraft was used, losses and general info on the maintenance and servicing at the time. The text, which takes up sixty seven pages of the book, is accompanied by lots of period photographs from Dunkirk to Norway and everything in-between. The rest of the book is filled with the fabulous 3D drawings that Kagero have become noted for, with some real close up detail of many of the aircrafts equipment and fittings. It is these drawings that will probably be of most use to the modeller in helping get the most detail into a model, although the photographs can also help in working out aircraft codes, area of use and the dates in determining to model a particular aircraft. Conclusion The history of the Ju-88 is continued and expanded upon in this volume which, when accompanied with the photographs and 3D drawings makes this book another must have for the Luftwaffe historian and modeller alike. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

IJN Battleship Haruna Kagero Top Drawings The four Kongo class ships were the first modern warships in the Japanese Navy. They were designed by Britain's Sir George Thurston, and strongly influenced the design of the forthcoming Tiger-class battlecruisers. They were originally rated as "battlecruisers", but pre-WW2 rearmament reclassified them as battleships, though they were relatively lightly armed and armoured when compared to their modern battleship counterparts. During the Second World War, Haruna was extensively employed, often in company with aircraft carriers. In December 1941, she covered the invasion of Malaya. The first four months of 1942 saw her supporting the conquest of the Dutch East Indies, participating in a bombardment of Christmas Island, and participating in the Indian Ocean Raid. In June, she was part of the ill-fated Japanese carrier force during the Battle of Midway and was lightly damaged when a bomb nearly hit her stern. The Guadalcanal Campaign that began in August 1942 also brought Haruna into action. With her sister ship, Kongo, on 14 October she delivered a devastating bombardment of Henderson Field, the U.S. airfield on Guadalcanal. Later in the month, she was present during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and in mid-November operated with the Japanese aircraft carrier force during the climactic Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Like most of the heavier Japanese warships, Haruna saw no combat during 1943 and the first five months of 1944, though she steamed north to Japan in May 1943 in response to the American landings on Attu and was in the central Pacific later in the year during the invasions of the Gilbert Islands and Bougainville. In mid-June 1944, however, the Japanese fleet was sent to counterattack the U.S. forces then assaulting Saipan. As part of the heavily-defended van carrier group, she took an active role in the ensuing Battle of the Philippine Sea and was hit by a bomb on 20 June. Haruna also participated in the Japanese Navy's final fleet action, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. She was damaged by bomb near-misses in the Sibuyan Sea on 24 October 1944, but steamed on to engage U.S. escort carriers and destroyers in the next day's Battle off Samar. Stationed in Japanese waters by the beginning of 1945, Haruna was damaged at Kure during the U.S. carrier plane raids on 19 March. Still moored near Kure four months later, she was sunk by Task Force 38 aircraft on 28 July 1945. Haruna's wreck was scrapped after the war. This is the latest book from Kagero in their Top Drawing series, and like the previous books it has a brief history and the ships specifications at the beginning. Unfortunately, in this instance the history is rather too brief as the ship had a long career and more than one or two paragraphs could have been provided. The rest of the twenty two pages are filled with beautifully drawn diagrams of every part of the ship. It is obvious that a lot of time has been taken to get the drawings this good and accurate. This cannot be said for at least one of the annotations though as the diagram showing the No.4 turret is marked as No. 3. But this is a a mere trifle, especially when compared with the wealth of visual information provided in this book. Amongst the larger diagrams are smaller sketches giving further details on some of the ships hardware and fittings. No scales are given for the diagrams within the book, but the additional sheets are marked up, at least for the main drawings on them. Sheets A is in full colour with top, profile and fore/aft views on one side, in a rather odd 1:360 scale and an oblique drawing on the other, along with additional drawings of the aircraft, ships boats and 127mm AA mount. The line drawings on sheet B and C join together to provide a full profile port and starboard in 1:200 scale, complete with all the rigging, which certainly isn't as bad as that seen on some ships. Conclusion This is yet another brilliant book in this series from Kagero. It may not be quite as good as that of the previously reviewed title on the USS Missouri, but still very useful to maritime modellers nonetheless. Definitely gives the modeller an excuse to buy the Fujimi 1:350 kit, not that most modellers need an excuse. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Junkers Ju-88 Kagero Monographs No 57 3D Edition The Junkers Ju-88 really doesnt need any introduction, used throughout the war on all fronts and a multitude of different roles. This book concentrates with the design and production of the bomber/dive-bomber version up to the point of issuing the aircraft to the Luftwaffe, the other versions will probably be covered in volume two. This volume is really two books in one, with the first half, (well, sixty eight pages), covering the history of Junkers, design of the Ju-88and production of the prototypes and production machines. It is very interesting for the modeller in that there are plenty of period photographs with panels open/removed showing the construction of the fuselage and wings, close ups of the undercarriage, engines and some really good photos of the interior. The text that accompanies the photographs is very in-depth and tells of the story of the Ju-88 from the ground up including all the political intrigue and technical points told through the transcripts of interviews and reports, along with how the aircraft changed over the course of the design and prototype phases. Whilst the photographs are all in monochrome, the text also includes information on what colours were used on and in the aircraft which is very helpful. The next forty nine pages are filled with detailed 3D artwork of much of the equipment fitted to the aircraft. These include the Revi gunsight which was used for dive bombing, the radio sets, individually and as fitted to the rear bulkhead of the cockpit where the rear gunner/Navigator sat. The cockpit and nose framing is quite interesting as there are some fittings and fixtures not normally shown and could quite easily be scratch built, particularly if youre building the big 1:32 Revell kit. The machine gun mountings both in the cockpit and the lower gondola, along with the machine guns themselves are also included. Conclusion The history of the Ju-88s design is particularly well told in this book which, when accompanied by so many useful and interesting pictures makes this a must read. It will make a very useful reference book for the modeller as you get some superb photographs of the interior and structure that it could provide much need inspiration to go that little bit further with eh details of the next build. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien & K-100 Kagero Monographs No 58 The history of these aircraft has been told in the reviews of the kits that we’ve been lucky enough to have reviewed here on BM, The Ki-61 HERE and the Ki-100 HERE so it seems a little churlish to repeat them. What this does show however, is the fact that there are kits readily available of these aircraft. This book will certainly be of great help in the detailing and painting of these kits. Within the covers, one hundred and eight pages not only cover the full history of these aircraft but the text is accompanied by the superb period photographs, which, even thought they are all monochrome that accompanying notes explain where they were taken, the aircraft and unit and an educated guess at the colours of the camouflage. Of particular interest are the photographs of the construction methods, production line, and engine installation. There are also plenty of photographs of captured machines in various states of disrepair which could help produce some interesting dioramas. What is also interesting is the variation of colour schemes used, and there appear to be quite a few, oh, and the way the paint does indeed seem to flake off as can be seen on some beautifully built models here on BM. The final twenty seven pages contain some very well produced line drawings, profiles and colour plates that are full of additional information and detail. Included with the book are two pullout posters with the plans of all three variants in 1:32 scale. These are great and would look good framed, although you’ll lose the Ki-100-II variant as it’s printed on the back of the Ki-100-1. Conclusion The series of monographs from Kagero are just superb. Not only do you get the history of this very interesting type, right the way from prototype to final variant, but there is also information on the combat use, unit markings and camouflage. The plans, drawings and colour profiles are a real boon to the modeller in helping them get the most out their kits. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Crickets against Rats - Regia Aeronautica in the Spanish Civil War 1936/37 vol. I KAGERO - Casemate UK While a lot is known about the German involvement in the Spanish Civil war with the Condor Legion in support of the Nationalists, and the Russians supplying arms to the Republican forces; the involvement of the Italy is less well known. Though reluctant at first, following a direct request from Franco and encouragement from Hitler Mussolini committed his Navy to the seas around Spain, his Army in the form of a Corps of "Volunteer" forces to the ground and the Regia Aeronautica to the air. This new book from Casemate/Kagero looks at the involvement of the Regia Aeronautica. The book arrives as an A4 portrait soft cover 78 page book. The book follows the day to day struggles in the air, and the rapid deployment of the Italian Air Force to Spain. In this first volume the years 1936 & 1937 are covered. Details include to attacks on Madrid, battles at the river Jarama, and battles for Malaga & Guadalajara. The text is illustrated throughout with black & white photos. Following the text there are five colour pages (including the back page) with profiles of Italian Aircraft used in this conflict. Conclusion This is an excellent book covering a less well known part of the Spanish Civil War. Recommended to those with an interest in The Italian Air Force, The Spanish Civil War, or those history buffs who would like to know more about this subject. Review sample courtesy of

Königstiger KAGERO - Casemate UK At very nearly 70 Tons the Königstiger was the heaviest Tank that the Germany Army fielded during WWII. The Tank we commonly refer to as the King Tiger is in fact the Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausführung B, or Tiger II. They were armed with Kampfwagenkanone 43L/71 88m Gun which could destroy any allied tank of the time, at ranges outside of even the best armed adversary. The tank also benefited from sloped armour upto 180mm thick. Thankfully for the Allies the Germans were not able to produce this Tank in large numbers. Another factor which worked in the Allies favour is that these tanks suffered from reliability issues to the drive train and engine seals. This book from Kagero arrives as an A4 portrait soft cover volume with 82 pages. The first 18 pages offer a brief history of the type along with a series of black & white pictures of the tanks in combat, and abandoned/knocked out examples. There are then a series of 1/35 scale drawings of the Tanks and its various parts. A series of excellent walkaround pictures then follow. These pictures feature Turret number 321 exhibited in Munster Panzer Museum (Germany), Turret number 300 at The Bovington Tank Museum (UK), and Turret number 213 at the December 44 Museum in La Gleize (Belgium). There are also pictures of the the tanks Maybach engine, and the 88mm gun. There follows a few pages concerning the Crew and Camouflages used by the Tank. The last few pages contain colour profiles of various operational tanks. Conclusion This is a great book for the WWII history buff, those interested in Tanks, or indeed German Tanks. The detail photographs and line drawings will make it a great reference source for modellers as well. Overall this is a well produced book and highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

HIJNS Kaga Kagero Super Drawings in 3D Kaga (Japanese: 加賀) was an aircraft carrier of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), named after the former Kaga Province in present-day Ishikawa Prefecture. Originally intended to be one of two Tosa-class battleships, Kaga was converted under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty to an aircraft carrier as the replacement for the battlecruiser Amagi, which had been damaged in an earthquake. Kaga was rebuilt in 1933–35, increasing her top speed, improving her exhaust systems, and adapting her flight decks to more modern, heavier aircraft. The third Japanese aircraft carrier to enter service, Kaga featured prominently in the development of the IJN's carrier striking force doctrine. The doctrine, which grouped carriers together to give greater mass and concentration to their air power, was a revolutionary strategic concept at the time. The employment of this doctrine was crucial in enabling Japan to attain its initial strategic goals during the first six months of the Pacific War. Kaga's aircraft first supported Japanese troops in China during the Shanghai Incident of 1932 and participated in the Second Sino-Japanese War in the late 1930s. With other carriers, she took part in the Pearl Harbor raid in December 1941 and the invasion of Rabaul in the Southwest Pacific in January 1942. The following month her aircraft participated in a combined carrier airstrike on Darwin, Australia, helping secure the conquest of the Dutch East Indies by Japanese forces. She missed the Indian Ocean raid in April as she had to return to Japan for permanent repairs after hitting a rock in February. After repairs Kaga rejoined the 1st Air Fleet for the Battle of Midway in June 1942. After bombarding American forces on Midway Atoll, Kaga and the other carriers were attacked by American aircraft from the carriers Enterprise, Hornet, and Yorktown. Dive bombers from Enterprise severely damaged Kaga; when it became obvious she could not be saved, she was scuttled by Japanese destroyers to prevent her from falling into enemy hands. The loss of Kaga and three other IJN carriers at Midway was a crucial strategic defeat for Japan and contributed significantly to Japan's ultimate defeat in the war. In 1999, debris from Kaga was located on the ocean floor; the main body of the carrier has not yet been found. The is the latest book is in Kageros 3D series and as with the others the first few pages, six in this case, are dedicated to the history of design, construction, The beginnings of the service and reconstruction, The War in the Pacific and the Last Battle. The next seventy pages are filled with the usual amazing renderings in 3D which cover every external part of the ship. The superb drawings will certainly aid the modeller, particularly with the areas not normally seen in photographs, such as the complex trusses and beams on the underside of the flightdeck fore and aft. Each drawing has small annotations which give useful insights as to what the areas are and the subtle details included. Kagero have also included a pull out double sided sheet, with line drawings of various ships equipment in various scales from 1:50 to 1:200 on one side and side, front and rear views in 1:400 scale on the reverse, with full details of the rigging on the strangely canted masts on the starboard side, which although they can be hoisted upright, most of the pictures show them slanted outboard. Conclusion This series of books is becoming a must have resource for both the historian and modeller alike, but perhaps of more interest to the maritime modeller as they provide so many pictures of the intimate details of the ships. The drawings are so clear it should be relatively easy to transfer what’s in the book to a model. At the moment I believe the only kits of the Kaga are in 1:700, but Fujimi are to rectify this with the release of one in 1:350 later this year. Very highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

USS Missouri Kagero Top Drawings The long and spectacular career of the USS Missouri is well known, although she is most famous for being the ship on which the Japanese surrender took place in Tokyo Bay in 1945. She served as a front line battleship in various stints from 11 April 1944 until she was finally fully de-commissioned in 1995. Although some will say she still serves, as a Memorial ship alongside Battleship Row, Pearl Harbour, behind the USS Arizona Memorial. Kagero have just released this book in their Top Drawing series. This softback book has three pages containing the history and specifications of the Mighty Mo, with a further twenty 6 pages of line drawings covering the whole ship from stem to stern. Each sheet contains detailed drawings of various parts of the ships structure, weapons systems, radars, aircraft and other, smaller parts. Each drawing is beautifully done with some fine detail that would normally have been missed is other titles. The drawings have obviously been done from some excellent references which have resulted in a very useful book for the detail addict. Most the drawings are in 1:200 scale with a few in 1:100 for larger detail information, making it perfect for owners of the big Trumpeter kit. Also included with the book are five B2 sheets of plans. Some sheets have a selection of drawings from the book on one side and half the ships length drawing in 1:200 scale on the reverse, whilst the others have full colour profiles of the ship in 1:400 scale. The 1:200 scale drawings and the drawings contained within the book show the ship as she was in 1945 and 1991 configurations. The plans showing the later dated ship will help modellers scratch build the details needed to convert the kit to this configuration, at until such time that any aftermarket company fills the need. Conclusion This is probably the best book in this series I have seen, certainly the most useful in a modellers point of view. The drawings are clear and crisply drawn and the full scale plans for the big Missouri kit will be so useful. The scale plans can also be joined together, if desired, to make an impressive wall piece in the modelling den to help keep the mojo going on the long build. Review sample courtesy of

USS Massachusetts Kagero Super Drawings in 3D USS Massachusetts, a 35,000 ton South Dakota class battleship built at Quincy, Massachusetts, was commissioned in May 1942. Following shakedown and training operations, she took part in the Invasion of North Africa, engaging French warships at and off Casablanca, Morocco, on 8 November 1942. Massachusetts transferred to the Pacific in early 1943. Following several months in the South Pacific, she participated in the invasions of the Gilberts and Marshalls in late 1943 and early 1944, raids on Japanese-held islands in February to May and the Hollandia invasion in April 1944. The Massachusetts was overhauled in mid-1944, then returned to the Pacific war zone to take part in raids on Okinawa and Formosa in October, the Battle of Leyte Gulf later in that month and attacks in the Philippines area during the rest of that year. Her operations with the fast carrier striking forces continued in 1945 with further attacks in support of the invasion of Luzon in January, Iwo Jima in February and Okinawa in March-June. During July and August 1945, Massachusetts twice bombarded the Japanese home islands with her sixteen-inch guns. Following a late 1945 overhaul, Massachusetts was stationed along the U.S. Pacific coast until April 1946, when she returned to the Atlantic. The battleship decommissioned in March 1947 and remained in the Reserve Fleet until stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in June 1962. Three years later, USS Massachusetts began a second career as a memorial and museum ship at Fall River, Massachusetts, and remains in that role to the present day. The book is in the form of Kageros' 3D format with the first seven pages dedicated to the history of design, construction, The Battle of Casablanca, her Service in the Pacific and the Post War Years. The rest of the book is filled with highly detailed 3D renderings of every part of the main decks and superstructure. All the drawings are supremely well done and will be an absolute goldmine of information for the locations of the many different bits of smaller equipment not normally shown in side drawings or plans, such as 5” practice loaders which are almost hidden from view between the 5” amidships turrets. Included with the book is a pull out double sided sheet, with line drawings of various ships equipment in various scales from 1:50 to 1:200 on one side and side, front and rear views in1:350 scale on the reverse, which is very helpful, particularly with the rigging of the ship.. Conclusion As we have seen with other titles in this series this is a brilliantly laid out book with superbly drawn and rendered pictures plus a good potted history of this fabulous looking ship. I can highly recommend this book to all interested in the “Big Mammie” as she became to be known. Whilst more useful if you have the Trumpeter 1:350 kit for direct comparisons, this book can still help with adding those extra details onto the their 1:700 release. Very highly recommended Review sample courtesy of

Last hope for the Luftwaffe: Me.163, He.162, Me.262 1:72, 1:48, 1:32 Kagero This is issue 37 of Kagero's successful MiniTopColors series, that consists of a booklet of 18 pages containing three-view digital paintings of ten different aircraft with decals to match in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32. There are three schemes for the Komet, four for the Salamander, and three for the Schwalbe. As these are late war aircraft, they are rough and ready, with very heavily adapted and personalised schemes, altered airframes with unpainted parts, previously painted grafted sections, and naked metal with puttied seams evident. The schemes are as follows: Me.163B V53 W.Nr. 16310062, White 9, flown by Kurt Schieber of 1./JG400, Brandis, Germany early August 1944. Me.163B White 10 flown by Lt. Hans-Ludwig Loscher of 1./JG400, Brandis, Germany, late February 1945. Me.163B V52 W.Nr.16310061 Yellow 1, flown by Lt. Reinhard Opitz, Kapitan of 7./JG400 Nordholz, Germany, April 1945. He.162A-1 W.Nr. 310003 Yellow 5 of 3./JG1, Leck, Germany, May 1945. He.162A-2 W.Nr. 120067 White 4 of 1./JG1, Leck, Germany, May 1945. He.162A-2 W.Nr. 120028 White 3 of 1./JG1, Leck, Germany, May 1945. He.162A-2 W.Nr. 120231 White 6 of 1./JG1, Leck, Germany, May 1945. Me.262A-2a W.Nr.110613 9K+DK flown by Ofw. Hermann Wieczorek of 2./KG51 Rheine-Hopsten, Germany 25th February 1945. Me.262A-1a Yellow 2 of 3./KG(J)54, Prague-Ruzyne, Czechoslovakia, May 1945. Me.262A-1a White 34 of III./EJG2, Brunnthal, Germany May 1945. The decals are printed by Cartograf as usual, and are of top quality, with good register, colour density and sharpness, accompanied by a very glossy and close-cut carrier film. Each scale is separated by a dotted line, so you'll not get confused between scales. Conclusion Perfectly timed for the release of the new Meng Me.163B kit, and I'm sure a great many of us will end up owning both. The partially bare metal schemes are very interesting, and there's a lot of mottle, scribble and soft demarcations between colours, so you'd best spruce up your airbrushing skills to tackle them. I'm personally very tempted by them all, although having only one Salamander in my stash is now starting to look like a problem. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Top Drawings 16 – Ju-88 Bomber Variants Kagero Publishing Another in their successful line of Top Drawings books, which as the name suggests is heavily weighted toward those of us that love to pore over plans and compare their latest acquisition to check its accuracy. After a page devoted to a preamble in both English and Czech, the next 15 pages of three-view drawings cover the following variants: Ju-88A-1 Ju-88A-2 Ju-88A-3 Ju-88A-4 Ju-88A-4 Torpedo Ju-88A-5 Ju-88A-6 Ju-88A-8 Ju-88A-14 Ju-88A-17 Scrap diagrams show different antennae fit for radar installations, weapons fits, torpedo placement where appropriate, plus cross-sections along the airframe to assist with correct profiling. The middle four pages and back cover are filled with profiles and three-view drawings of four examples done in incredible detail, with more scrap views showing areas hidden from view by engines etc. These aircraft are the subject of the decal sheet, which is printed as always by Cartograf in good register with excellent colour density and sharpness. The decals are covered by a close-cropped carrier film that is both shiny and thin, so should go down well on any gloss surface. All three major scales are catered for from 1:72 through 1:48 and up to 1:32, to entice owners of the new 1:72 and 1:32 kits in. As well as the bound plans within the book, there are also four sheets of plans held loosely in the centre of the book, covering the A1/4/5 in 1:72 on a double sided sheet of A3, the A-4 in 1:48 on double sided A2, and the immense 1:32 plans of the A-1 and A-4 covering two double-sided sheets of A1. If you could iron out the necessary creases they'd look great framed on the wall, but are more realistically of use to measure up your latest purchase, giving a full layout of the rivet lines that are usually missing from even the modern kits, in case you feel like adding them yourself. Conclusion A very nicely presented book with plenty of plans for the avid viewer/reader, some interesting profiles with decals in three scales. Very well done! Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Republic P-47 Thunderbolt with the USAAF in the ETO Kagero SMI Library The P-47 Thunderbolt was used throughout the European Theatre of Operations originally as long range fighter escort then more effectively as a ground attack aircraft as they were replaced in their former role by the P-51 Mustang in February 1944. The 56thFG continued flying the P-47 in the escort role until the end of the war and were classified as having the most aerial victories of all ETO fighter groups. The design and deployment are covered briefly in this book as is the operational history in the first thirteen pages. The next sixty three pages are filled with classic and vintage photographs of the men and machines themselves. Whether in posed shots of the pilot standing next to the nose-art of his particular machine or kneeling on the wing next to his scoreboard, or the mechanics arming, and servicing the aircraft they are all pretty atmospheric. All the photos are annotated in both English and Polish. They are also useful for the modeller, showing items of equipment used around the airfields, how certain weapons were fitted, fused or loaded and just how dirty some aircraft got when the rain made the airfields more like quagmires. The last few pages of this section are in glorious Technicolor. At the back of the book are full colour three and four views of the four aircraft for which the large decal sheet has been included in the book. Each scheme is covered in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32 scales to cater for all aircraft modellers who love the big Thunderbolt. Conclusion This book has some superb photographs, which with their annotations are all very useful for the modeller and historian alike. There are also a number of photos that would look good as the basis for a diorama. The colour diagrams and the decals are the cherries on the already well iced cake. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Heinkel He-219 Uhu Vol2 Kagero Monograph Following on from the first volume reviewed by mike HERE Kagero have released volume 2. This book is full of amazingly detailed 3D renderings on top of the very interesting history of the type in Luftwaffe service, including some great photographs from WWII of a fair number of aircraft, many in various states of disrepair or destruction. This section covers the first thirty one pages of the book and shows a variety of different camouflage schemes used on the type. The next sixty eight pages really concentrates on the equipment used in the 219 and the methods of construction of sections of the aircraft. These drawings are beautifully done with some superb detail that could very well be incorporated into a model, particularly in one of the big 1:32 machines. Talking of which, Kagero have also included a superb set of plans on a double sided A1 sheet. All the plan drawings are in 1:32, with the small exception of the gun sight which has been drawn in 1:8 scale. Conclusion This book on its own is a must buy for all those interested in either the Luftwaffe in general or the He-219 in particular, but when put together with Vol 1 this makes it a spectacularly interesting and useful set. For the modeller, the details shown in the 3D renderings would be so very handy to get all those little details right when building their masterpiece. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

IJN Destroyer Akizuki Kagero Super Drawings in 3D The Akizuki-class destroyers were one of the primary classes of new destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) after 1942. The IJN called them Type-B Destroyer from their plan name. They were designed to fight larger ships, aircraft and submarines. Akizuki was the lead ship of her class of destroyers in the Imperial Japanese Navy and considered by many to be among the best Japanese warships of that type in service during World War II. These long range vessels were fast, heavily armed and featured surprisingly good electronics, (at least for the Japanese standards of the time). Add to that the graceful lines and the result is one of the most capable heavy destroyers in service with the IJN. Through experience in the design and construction of destroyers over the years, a huge amount of time and effort, not to mention money were invested in this class of warship to offset the US Navy’s advantage in that field. The initial plans called for the construction of a large number of light anti-aircraft cruisers and destroyers, but this proved too ambitious and prohibitively expensive. Instead the Japanese decided to concentrate on the design of a large destroyer carrying the newest 100mm guns, but no torpedo launchers. This was a new trend in Japanese design philosophy, which until then had favoured destroyers with a heavy offensive armament. The new design was altered to include one quadruple torpedo launcher and became known as the type B destroyer. These series of books from Kagero continue to impress, not only with their superb 3D drawings, but also the well researched history of the ships in question. This title is no different with a comprehensive history of the philosophy behind the design, along with the design itself and the ships operation history making very interesting reading. The Akizuki was an unknown quantity to this reviewer so the six pages covering this have proved very enlightening. The rest of the book is superbly laid out with every part of ship shown in amazing detail with only one or two drawings per page. In addition there are close ups of items such the main turrets, light AA weapons, some beautifully detail drawings of the ships boats, torpedo launcher and the operation of the reload system, and most importantly for a ship modeller the rigging. On the centre pages there is a three view picture of the ship overall so that the reader can see where the other drawings fit in relation to the ship. The diagrams showing the railings and the awning stantions are also very useful too. Each individual drawing is annotated so that the reader knows what they are looking at. Mariusz Motyka, who does all the 3D visualisations and illustrations, really should be commended for his amazing work. In addition to the 3D drawings, Kagero have also included to sheets of double sided A2 plans. One sheet has a three view of the ship overall whilst on the other side the various parts of the ship have been drawn, all in 1:200 scale. The other sheet also has parts such as the superstructure drawing in 1:200 along with 1:50 scale views of the turrets, torpedo launcher and the 25mm AA guns. Conclusion It is getting increasingly difficult to extol the virtues of these books in mere words, you really have see them to believe the amount of detail that is contained on the pages and the very useful separate plans. I believe there is only one model of the Akizuki available and that is the Nichimo 1:200 scale kit. So if you’re lucky enough to have one or are able to get hold of one, then this book will be invaluable.

HMS Dreadnought Kagero Super Drawings in 3D HMS Dreadnought was a battleship of the Royal Navy that revolutionised naval power. Her entry into service in 1906 represented such a marked advance in naval technology that her name came to be associated with an entire generation of battleships, the "dreadnoughts", as well as the class of ships named after her, while the generation of ships she made obsolete became known as "pre-dreadnoughts". She was the sixth ship of that name in the Royal Navy. Admiral Sir John "Jacky" Fisher, First Sea Lord of the Board of Admiralty, is credited as the father of the Dreadnought. Shortly after he assumed office he ordered design studies for a battleship armed solely with 12-inch guns and a speed of 21 knots. He convened a "Committee on Designs" to evaluate the alternative designs and to assist in the detailed design process. One ancillary benefit of the Committee was that it would shield him, and the Admiralty, from political charges that they had not consulted leading experts before designing such a radically different battleship. Dreadnought was the first battleship of her era to have a uniform main battery, rather than having a few large guns complemented by a heavy secondary battery of somewhat smaller guns. She was also the first capital ship to be powered by steam turbines, making her the fastest battleship in the world at the time of her completion. Her launch helped spark a major naval arms race as navies around the world, particularly the German Imperial Navy rushed to match her in the build-up to World War I. From 1907–1911, Dreadnought served as flagship of the Royal Navy's Home Fleet. In 1910, she attracted the attention of notorious hoaxer Horace de Vere Cole, who persuaded the Royal Navy to arrange for a party of Abyssinian royals to be given a tour of a ship. In reality, the "Abyssinian royals" were some of Cole's friends in blackface and disguise, including a young Virginia Woolf and her Bloomsbury Group friends; it became known as the Dreadnought hoax. Cole had picked Dreadnought because she was at that time the most prominent and visible symbol of Britain's naval might. She was replaced as flagship of the Home Fleet by HMS Neptune in March 1911 and was assigned to the 1st Division of the Home Fleet. She participated in King George V's Coronation Fleet Review in June 1911. Dreadnought became flagship of the 4th Battle Squadron in December 1912 after her transfer from the 1st Battle Squadron, as the 1st Division had been renamed earlier in the year. Between September and December 1913 she was training in the Mediterranean Sea. At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, she was flagship of the 4th Battle Squadron in the North Sea, based at Scapa Flow. She was relieved as flagship on 10 December by HMS Benbow. Ironically for a vessel designed to engage enemy battleships, her only significant action was the ramming and sinking of German submarine SM U-29, skippered by K/Lt Otto Weddigen (of SM U-9 fame), on 18 March 1915. U-29 had broken the surface immediately ahead of Dreadnought after firing a torpedo at HMS Neptune and Dreadnought cut the submarine in two after a short chase. She almost collided with HMS Temeraire who was also attempting to ram. Dreadnought thus became the only battleship ever to sink a submarine. She was refitting from 18 April to 22 June 1916 and missed the Battle of Jutland on 31 May, the most significant fleet engagement of the war. Dreadnought became flagship of the 3rd Battle Squadron on 9 July, based at Sheerness on the Thames, part of a force of pre-dreadnoughts intended to counter the threat of shore bombardment by German battlecruisers. During this time she fired her AA guns at German aircraft that passed over her headed for London. She returned to the Grand Fleet in March 1918, resuming her role as flagship of the Fourth Battle Squadron, but was paid off in July to begin another refit. Dreadnought was put into reserve at Rosyth in February 1919. Dreadnought was put up for sale on 31 March 1920 and sold for scrap to T.W. Ward & Company on 9 May 1921 for the sum of £44,000. She was broken up at Ward's new premises at Inverkeithing, Scotland, upon arrival on 2 January 1923. This is the third of this series that this reviewer has had to review recently and they still don’t disappoint. This title begins with eight pages of history, design philosophy, building and the career of this great ship. This is followed by fifty eight pages of the fabulous 3D drawings that these books are renowned for. It should be noted that all the drawings are of the ship as she was in 1907, so hopefully there will be another book with Dreadnought in her later modification states. As usual every part of ship is covered in the drawings. They are all very detailed and will be a boon to the modeller, particularly if they are using one of the amazing etched detail sets that are available. At the time, the Dreadnought was equipped with an anti torpedo net system that could be rigged even when at sea, although the speed was heavily restricted. Some of the drawings in the book show the ship with the nets rigged allowing the modeller to see exactly how the booms were spread and the cables that attached them to the ship. If you’re prepared to do a fair bit of rigging then these will be invaluable. Alternatively there are drawings showing how the nets and booms were stowed on what was known as the net shelf. Unlike most of the other books the majority of drawings aren’t annotated, which is a shame as they can be useful in identifying the part of ship and the equipment shown in the drawing. That said though the drawings should be pretty self explanatory to the majority of maritime modellers. To bring a maritime model alive it really needs to have railings and rigging. Both of these items are well represented in this book along with the awning stantions, although the awnings themselves aren’t shown it shouldn’t take too much to work out how they are fitted. The rigging in the diagrams are particularly useful, especially showing where and how the various halliards, standing rigging and aerials are attached and how the aerial spreaders are spaced. Also included is a double sided A2 sheet with five view plans, (Port, Starboard, Above, Bow and Stern), in both 1:350 and 1:700 scale on one side. On the other side there are more detailed plans of the main gun turrets, 12 pdr mounts, all the ships boats, (32ft Cutter, 45ft Steam Pinnace, 42ft launch, 40ft Admirals Barge, 27ft Whaler, 23ft Gig and 16ft Dinghy), all in 1:100 scale except for the 12pdr plans which are in 1:50. Also on this side is a drawing of the starboard side of the ship but with a slightly higher viewing angle, which not only gives a better plan view of the rigging but also of the rigged anti-torpedo nets. Conclusion This is another superb book in the series. Doing a few of these in a row does make it difficult to express how good these books are in different ways, but they really are superb. The drawings are so clear and so detailed it’s like you took a photo on the ship itself and the detailed plans on the pull out sheet would look great hung on the wall in front of your modelling desk as you build. If you’re a maritime modeller and you want to build a 1907 HMS Dreadnought then you must get this book and some detail sets to really go to town on and make yourself a museum quality model. Review sample courtesy of

Type II U-Boat Kagero Super Drawings in 3D First launched in June 1935, the Type II were the first U-boats commissioned in German yards after the repudiation of the Versailles Treaty. Unknown to other nations at that time, Germany had already begun construction for 12 new Type II U-boats as early as 1934. It was not until the signing of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement in February 1935 that construction began to be undertaken publicly. By June 15 1935, the first class of the Type II was launched. Small and cramped, the Type IIs were coastal boats intended principally for training, but because of the shortage of available boats, they were later relegated to war duties. With a crew of 25, the boats had limited range and carried enough provisions for three to four weeks, but frequently returned to port after expending their supply of torpedoes. Due to their small size and heavy rolling on the sea, the Type IIs quickly earned the nickname “Dugout Canoes”. Although of limited use in the open ocean, some remarkable successes were accomplished early in the war by U-boat aces such as Otto Kretschmer. The Type II also earned the respect and admiration of the crew due to its high manoeuvrability, rapid diving time and durability. Later in the war, due to the ever increasing need for training new crews, all Type II U-boats were withdrawn from combat duties and assigned to full-time training. A total of 50 Type II U-boats were built during the war. There are four variants, Type IIA, IIB, IIC and IID. Another in the great series of 3D format books from Kagero with only the first two pages dedicated to the history of construction, and mention of the four types of Type II submarines produced. The remaining pages are full of 3D drawings. The drawings and artwork are very clear and would be easy to work from. Each Type II sub-mark, (A to D), is given its own section covering what seems like every external part of the boats, each and every fitting on them. There are also larger close up drawings of items such as the weapons and their differing style of mounting. The rigging and wiring is particularly useful. Also included is a double sided A2 sheet of line drawings in 1:144 scale, making them perfect for using with the Revell/ICM kits and seeing where and how they need to be modified to produce an accurate model. Conclusion This is a superb and very useful book for those of us who have the kits in the stash or are wishing to buy one, knowing that it should be possible to recreate an accurate rendition. The line drawings are the icing on the cake of beautifully rendered 3D offerings.