MDF Scaled Down 9
The Fairchild Republic
A-10 ‘Warthog’
AUTHOR: Andy Evans
YEAR: 2019
PUBLISHER: SAM Publications
ISBN: 978-1-9996616-4-9
FOR M AT: 104pp softbackT
he latest
book
in this
popular series
takes a look at
an aircraft that I
am very familiar
with growing up
as I did in Ipswich.
The A-10 was
an ever-present
sight and sound
as they lew out of
RAF Woodbridge
and Bentwaters
in the 1980s
and early 90s.
The book opens with a brief introduction before
moving on to the irst chapter which looks at the
design and development of the A-10. Whilst the
A-10 may not be the prettiest of aircraft, it does look
right, unlike the YA-9 prototype, which somehow
just doesn’t! Strangely the experimental two seat
A-10 version, covered in the irst chapter doesn’t look
right either... The next chapter looks at the type in
detail and is profusely illustrated with mostly colour
photographs, illustrating some of the colour schemes
the type has worn during its long years of service,
including the tan and green spots scheme. Chapter
3 covers the A-10 in combat from the Cold War to
Afghanistan. This chapter has some interesting
photographs of battle-damaged A-10s, showing
the real enduring strength of the type to withstand
combat punishment. The images in this chapter ofer
inspiration for the diorama modellers amongst us.
This chapter is followed by ive pages
of colour proiles which include an RAF
Bentwaters example in the European 1 Lizard
scheme, which I remember from my youth.
The section on modelling the A-10 features ive
1/48 scale builds, three of the Italeri kit and two
builds of the Hobbyboss kit. Appendix 1 features
walk round images of the airframe, weaponry and
artwork, both nose art and access steps door art.
Appendix 2 has images from the technical manual,
I am always amazed by the size of the cannon in the
A-10! Appendix 3 covers the types speciications’
and the inal appendix is the Kitography. Despite
the types long service and extensive combat use,
there aren’t that many kits of the type, there are
no 1/144 scale kits and only one in 1/32 scale.
So, to conclude, if you are a fan of the ‘Warthog’
this book deserves a place on your bookcase, if you
have any of the limited number of kits of the A-10 then
this book will be a valuable reference for your build.
One of these days I really must build a Bentwaters
A-10 and when I do this book will be on my bench!
My thanks to SAM Publications for
providing this book for review.
TMU-SSpotlight on
F-104 Starfighter
Special Camouflages
AUTHOR: Lieuwe De Vries
YEAR: 2016
PUBLISHER: MMP Books
ISBN: 978-83-63678-58-6
FOR M AT: 43 pp HardbackT
his slim volume, part of MMP’s
“Spotlight on ...” series, covers
a selection of “special” colour
schemes worn by the F-104 during its
service. It consists of a short one-page
introduction, followed by a series of
colour plates showing side and plan
proiles. The reasons for the special
schemes vary and include a number
of unit anniversary schemes, as well
as the well-known Greek “Mount
Olympus” aircraft marking the inal
light of the F-104 in Greek service, and
a striking Belgian tiger meet participantin a typical overall “tiger” scheme.
The proiles are very well
rendered, and some include extra
inset illustrations of details.
For fans of the aircraft (your
reviewer included) there is
plenty of inspiration here.
Thanks to MMP Books
for the review copy.
MJCThe Rise and Fall of the French Air Force
French Air Operations and Strategy 1900-1940AUTHOR: Greg Baughen
YEAR: 2018
PUBLISHER: Fonthill Media Ltd
ISBN: 978-1-78155-644-3
FOR M AT: 288 pp HardbackA
fter 1918, France continued
to maintain powerful
military forces, focusing on
a defence against any future threat
from a resurgent Germany. In 1940
the French Air Force, in particular,
was one of the largest in the world.
So why did Germany defeat France
and her allies in just six weeks, a
speed that apparently astonished
even the Germans? This book sets
out to determine some answers.
The book starts by examining the
origins and early development of French
military aviation, then goes on to cover
World War I in some detail. By the end
of the War, the French Air Arm was
an extremely powerful and efective
ighting force; but (in common with the
RAF and other air arms) many of the
lessons learned were soon forgotten.
The author looks at the inevitable
political in-ighting that occurred,
not least (as was common at the time)
the clash between the advocates
of strategic bombing, and a more
tactically-focussed force. Eventually,
we come to the build-up to the Second
World War, which is again examined
in great detail. Finally, the author’s
conclusions complete the main text.
Greg Baughen is a noted specialist in
the early wartime period, particularly
the Battle of France, and presents avery detailed and insightful analysis.
The very readable main text is
supported by a number of appendices
listing various data, endnotes, a
comprehensive bibliography, and an
index. Illustrations consist of maps and
a section of well-chosen photographs.
This is primarily a history text,
not a book aimed at modellers, but for
those with an interest in the history
behind their subjects. It will prove very
valuable. In particular it deserves a
place on the shelf of anyone with an
interest in World War Two, the French
Air Force, or the history of air power.
Thanks to Fonthill Media
Ltd for the review copy.
MJC78 APRIL 2019 • SCALE AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL
BOOKS & MEDIA