The M3 Lee was America's first mass-produced combat tank. Its unusual configuration of hull-mounted 75 mm gun and turret-mounted 37 mm cannon was a result of the rush to get the vehicle in production following Nazi Germany's rapid advances in Europe. Following heavy British tank losses in France, the Commonwealth turned to the US to bolster their tank stocks, and the M3 was adapted, through the use of a different turret style, to fill this need. Later, as more-advanced tanks became available, notably the M4 Sherman, the M3s were adapted to fill other roles. This book chronicles the development and use of these vehicles from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of surviving vehicles, these iconic armored fighting vehicles are explored, and their history is explained.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 229 x 229 mm

Publication Date: 30-04-2021

We can all walk into any of the myriad aircraft museums dotted across the world and appreciate the wonderfully restored and preserved exhibits on display. But what about the many gems lovingly brought back to life and hiding away in people’s garages, sheds, barns and gardens? With Gavin Hoffen’s book you become a privileged spectator into a dedicated but often secretive world – to protect their security, names, projects and locations have been limited to the very basics. This is the nostalgic domain of the amateur restorer, hobbyist, and ‘cockpiteer’ of which Gavin is one. Here you will find complete coverage of over 20 projects worldwide with background histories of the aircraft, colour photos of the restoration and full information and specifications – be it of cockpit, fuselage, or full aircraft. From Spitfire to Chipmunk, Vulcan to Buccaneer, Piper Aztec to B-52, this is a fascinating insight into an obsession with the romance that aviation once was. A must-see for every aircraft aficionado, and an inspiration for future preservers.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 16-04-2021

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. Through a broad range of photos gathered from around the world, this bookthe second of two volumeschronicles the design, development, and wartime use of the late models of the Flying Fortress, from the first truly combat-capable model, the B-17E, to the lifesaving B-17H. These B-17 versions featured the so-called "large" tail and were famously used in the devastating strategic-bombing campaign against Germany. As a special feature, detailed coverage of the famed "Memphis Belle" is included. Combine volumes 1 and 2 for the complete photographic reference on the Flying Fortress.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 229 x 229 mm

Publication Date: 26-02-2021

The largest and most advanced US aircraft to see combat in WWII, the B-29 Superfortress was also the most expensive weapons system of the war, even exceeding the cost of developing the atomic bomb. Not surprisingly, the aircraft remained a part of the US arsenal in the following years and again saw combat in Korea. The evolution of the B-29 into the B-50 is covered in this book-the second of two volumes-as is the B-50's part as an early nuclear deterrent. Not only is the production of these aircraft illustrated, so are the host of adaptations, from mother ship to X-planes to weather and refueling aircraft. This volume chronicles the design, development, and deployment of these later versions through photos gathered from around the world.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

This book charts the development and service history of the Antonov design bureau's heavy transport aircraft. In the late 1950s, the Antonov design bureau began developing the An-22 heavy military transport, intended to carry 50 tons. Powered by four 15,000 hp turboprops, it was the world's heaviest transport when it first flew in February 1965. The four-turbofan An-124 was again the world's most capable airlifter when it emerged in 1982, with a payload of 120 tons. It proved its worth in military and humanitarian operations and earned acclaim as a commercial freighter after 1991 for carrying heavy and outsized items. The unique six-engined An-225 "Mriya" was created for carrying the Buran space shuttle. Despite the demise of the Buran program, the aircraft found use on the heavy/outsized cargo transportation market. It is illustrated by a wealth of new photos and color artwork, as well as line drawings.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 216 x 279 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has been in continuous production for over six decades, longer than any other military aircraft in the world, and no end of production is yet in sight. The Hercules has been a part of US combat operations since Vietnam, and the airframe, which began life as a simple transport, has been adapted to a variety of roles, including gunship, electronic warfare, refueling, and rescue. This book chronicles the development and use of the Hercules from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples, these iconic aircraft are explored, and their history explained.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

Though it barely missed being caught and destroyed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the US Navy's USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft carrier took part in every major action of the Pacific War, from the Doolittle Raid to the battles of Midway, Santa Cruz, and Guadalcanal to the Philippine Sea and Leyte. Affectionately known as the "Big E," as well as as the "fightingest ship in the Navy," the Enterprise racked up one of the most impressive tallies of damage to the enemy of any Allied warship during WWII. This book explores Enterprise's design and construction, wartime activities, and ultimate postwar decommissioning and scrapping through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published. The clarity and large size of many of the photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout its famed history.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

Founded in 1953, the US Air Force Thunderbirds flying-demonstration team has performed in air shows in the United States and around the world. The team is based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where it has been honing its skills since 1956. This book details the origins and early formation of the team, as well as describing the different model aircraft that the team has flown during its nearly 70-year history-F-84 Thunderjet and Thunderstreak, F-100C Super Sabre, F-105B Thunderchief, F-4E Phantom II, and T-38A Talon, to the present-day F-16A Fighting Falcon-mirroring the development of US Air Force fighter aircraft during this time. The book also presents graphic and photographic descriptions of some of the team's signature maneuvers that are performed during a Thunderbirds air show, in stunning imagery.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

Currently, Wellington suburban train services are operated by Matangi electric multiple-units, all virtually visibly identical. But as recently as 2011 there was a wide variety of electric units in use, as well as one set of locomotive-hauled carriages, providing a much more colourful and varied operating fleet, including colour schemes of an earlier era. This was not by deliberate planning: it was rather that a lack of timely decisions on new stock had led to hurried re-introduction of previously withdrawn multiple-units and locomotives. This book tells the story of this era, with an emphasis on the variety of equipment and liveries that could be seen up until 2012. The story is lavishly illustrated with photographs illustrating the visual diversity within this period.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 64

Dimensions: 210 x 145 mm

Publication Date: 21-09-2020

Many popular tractors from the late 1960s to the 1980s have become classics on Britain's farms. This handy guide to 41 classic tractors contains: * Description and photograph of each tractor * Country of manufacture * Engine and horsepower This period saw a huge rise in the power and comfort of tractors, and paved the way for today's high-tech farm machinery.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 88

Dimensions: 178 x 127 mm

Publication Date: 09-03-2021