WWII US Landing Craft in Action, by Al Adcock, Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003, ISBN 0-89747-451-1, 49 pages
This title covers another much-overlooked subject in the history of warfare - landing craft. It provides a brief history of the development and use of each type of landing craft, from the LCP, LCVP, LCM, LCT, LCS, LCI, LSM and LST. If you wondered who used some of the unique greens and grays that the Navy had specified for WW2, a stop in the centerfold will tell all.
Walk Around AH-1 Cobra, by Wayne Mutza, Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003, ISBN 0-89747-438-4, 79 pages
This title provides a brief look at each of the major members of the Cobra family, from the AH-1G of the Vietnam era through the upgraded AH-1S, and on to the AH-1F of Desert Storm. Coverage of the twin-engined snakes is also provided from the early AH-1J through the AH-1T to the Whiskey Cobra (AH-1W). There is even a quick look at the ultimate snake - the AH-1Z. While this title provides a great snapshot of snake family, it would be nice to go back and walkaround each of the six (soon to be seven) major versions with details and operational photos.
Walk Around P-38 Lightning, by Larry Davis, Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003, ISBN 0-89747-453-8, 79 pages
Here is one of my favorites from this latest batch - the 'fork-tailed devil'. This particular walkaround is crammed with significantly more color photography than usual, thanks to the author's visits to numerous museums and restoration projects. This title also makes good use out of recently discovered color photos from WW2 as well. If you're wanting to get a good modeling reference for the P-38 without having to debate which color green was used based on old B&W photos, this one is for you!
Walk Around C-130 Hercules, by Lou Drendel, Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003, ISBN 0-89747-455-4, 79 pages
Here is a subject near and dear to my heart - the venerable C-130 Hercules. This title is crammed full of photos and details of not only the standard airlifter, but most of the unique special mission Hercs that have been based on the C-130 airframe. This too is another title that would be great to break apart into separate volumes as it would be difficult to cover the AC-130 Spectre series in one volume, much less Combat Talon, Compass Call, C-130 tankers, and oh yes, the vanilla airlifter from A to J.
Walk Around US Tank Destroyers, by Jim Mesko, Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003, ISBN 0-89747-456-2, 79 pages
Now here is a cool title that will come in handy for the ongoing shootout between Academy and AFV Club. Their last battle covered the M10 GMC, coming soon - the M36. This title not only goes into beautiful detail of the M10 and M36, it also tackles the M18 Hellcat. Each topic covered features good color shots from museum examples along with B&W photos and color profiles.
AD Skyraider in detail & scale, by Bert Kinzey, Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003, ISBN 0-89747-454-6, 79 pages
I am very happy to see detail & scale not only available again, new subjects are now coming to press. This one covering the A-1 (AD) Skyraider had been on Squadron/Signal's release list a few times over the last few years. The wait is over and it is worth the wait. The author has done his usual thorough examination of each of the Skyraider variants, including some of the best coverage yet of the A-1E (AD-5) multi-place Skyraider. Outstanding!
Squadron/Signal continues to produce some of the greatest references for the historian and the modeler alike at very reasonable prices. These releases above are definitely typical of the great work done by this group. All of these titles are highly recommended!
