Republic P-47D Thunderbolt

Posted on December 21, 2014 by atcDave

Republic’s big Thunderbolt was best known for its ground attack and close support work.

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So after the jump, a colorful example from the 9th Air Force. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

M8 Greyhound

Posted on December 16, 2014 by atcDave

This light armored car saw extensive use across Europe in World War II, mainly with reconnaissance and cavalry units.

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After the jump, a brief look at the M8 Greyhound. Continue reading →

Posted in Armor, USA | Tagged , | 16 Comments

Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe

Posted on December 14, 2014 by atcDave

One of the more dangerous float planes ever built (!), the Rufe was Japan’s solution to having far flung bases on tiny islands.

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After the jump, a look at the float Zero. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, Japan | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer

Posted on December 9, 2014 by atcDave

The Germans were masters of retasking obsolete equipment.  The Hetzer is one excellent example of an outdated tank chassis finding new life as a tank destroyer.

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After the jump, a late war tank hunter. Continue reading →

Posted in Armor, Germany | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket

Posted on December 7, 2014 by atcDave

The Grumman Skyrocket is a radical looking twin with significant pros and cons as a potential fighter.  In the years before World War II it was one of the more interesting designs considered in a rapidly expanding and modernizing fleet.

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After the jump, a unique fighter prototype. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, prototype, USA | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

The Best Airplane of World War II

Posted on December 2, 2014 by atcDave

We’ve already looked at several candidates for the worst aircraft of World War II, so what about the other side of the question?  What aircraft really stand out for excellence and overall impact?

After the jump, another of my pointless essays, this time I’ll try to pick some “Best” aircraft of World War II. Continue reading →

Posted in Dave's Essays | Tagged | 17 Comments

Fairey Swordfish Mk I

Posted on November 30, 2014 by atcDave

Looking like a relic from the previous war, the Fairey Swordfish proved to be a good weapon for a variety of missions.  It served from the first day of World War II to the last and outlasted its replacement.

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After the jump, the Royal Navy’s premier Torpedo Bomber. Continue reading →

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Britain | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

The Worst Airplane of World War II

Posted on November 25, 2014 by atcDave

This is one of those discussions I’ve found myself in many times over the years.  Its a favorite topic among war gamers, model builders and amateur historians.  So as someone who fits all three categories, its come up before(!).

Join me after the jump for what I hope will be an entertaining, if utterly pointless essay. Continue reading →

Posted in Dave's Essays | Tagged | 17 Comments

Programming Note

Posted on November 25, 2014 by atcDave

I am starting to run low on completed models, and the three a week schedule I’ve been posting is seriously cutting into my modeling time!  So I’ll be trying a two a week schedule for a while.  Expect posts on Sunday and Tuesday, usually later in the day.  I’m thinking Sunday will be mostly aircraft, while Tuesdays will be a mix of vehicles and various special features.  As Always, I love the discussion and look forward to engaging with readers at every opportunity.

I expect early in 2015 I’ll also do a build feature, where I post several photos at a time walking through the entire construction process I use.  And I’ll try to keep you all informed to any changes or exceptions as they come up!

~ Dave 

Posted in Administrative | Leave a comment

North American P-51B Mustang

Posted on November 23, 2014 by atcDave

The first Merlin engined version of North American’s supurb fighter, The “B” model of the Mustang would provide a shock to German leadership and garuntee the effectiveness of the American Strategic Bombing offensive.

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After the jump, a look at an early long range escort. Continue reading →

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