Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8

Posted on October 16, 2020 by

One of the more important German types in service to the last day of the War.

Let’s take a look at a close support version of the famous fighter.

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Posted in Fighter, Germany | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Scale Matters, Part III

Posted on October 10, 2020 by

Big and Small

Let’s call this, a grown man playing with his toys on a Saturday afternoon.

The largest and smallest kits I’ve built. Maybe not 100% true, I have bought just single figures in 1/48. But this is the most extreme scope of hardware I’ve done.
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Posted in Dave's Essays | Tagged , | 19 Comments

Dornier Do 17Z-2

Posted on October 7, 2020 by

One of the main bomber types in service with the Luftwaffe at the start of World War II, the Do 17 was a key part of those early operations.

Let’s take a look at a familiar and important type.

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Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Germany | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

A Day At Fort Holmes

Posted on October 5, 2020 by

Call this a follow up to my previous “A Day At Fort Mackinac” three years later…

The first clear view of Fort Holmes as you clear the steps up the hillside. I think the “No Climbing” sign is the first line of defense to stop intruders.
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Posted in Museums | Tagged | 4 Comments

Bell P-39L Airacobra

Posted on September 29, 2020 by

The P-39 tends not to get a lot of attention in histories of the Second World War.

But I think I’ve found the least documented unit with a long combat history! Let’s take a look.

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Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Cars and Planes

Posted on September 26, 2020 by

Yankee Air Museum, at Willow Run Airport, had a fun cars and planes event today, presumably to make up for this year’s cancelled air show.

I had some fears when I signed up, like I might feel silly with the only muscle car at a classic car event. But no, this is still the Motor City area, lots of all sorts. From a 1930 Chevy to a 1950 Studabaker, to a 2016 Morgan and all varieties in between. Including an assortment of Mustangs, Corvettes, MGs, Cobras and more modern muscle. Mine was the only Challenger I saw, but not the only 392 Hemi.

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Posted in Museums | Tagged | 13 Comments

Cromwell Mk IV (A27M)

Posted on September 16, 2020 by

An excellent British tank of the later War years, the Cromwell is perhaps less well known than much hardware of the Western Europe Campaign.

Let’s take a look at a very useful design.

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Posted in Armor, Britain | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Polikarpov I-153

Posted on September 14, 2020 by

At the start of World War II the Soviet Union had a vast combat air force that was not quite modern.

Let’s take a look at one of the most prevalent types.

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Posted in Fighter, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Grumman TBF-1 Avenger

Posted on September 7, 2020 by

The US Navy’s upset victory at Midway is well known, a hard won American triumph.

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Let’s take a look at a part of the cost of that victory. Continue reading →

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Panzerjager Jagdtiger

Posted on September 5, 2020 by

The dramatic spiral in size and capability continued to the end of World War II.

Just what were the upper limits? Could a monster vehicle be effective in combat? Let’s take a look.

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Posted in Armor, Germany | Tagged , , | 23 Comments