"Colin's book is an excellent collection of individual stories, and histories of the club's they qualified for, and I highly recommend it..."
Goldfish Club Newsletter - Winter 2024

Well illustrated throughout with plenty of excellent colour photographs of all sorts of Hercules variants, in use by many operators around the world. From the drab greys of many modern examples, to the bright colours of 'Fat Albert', famously used to support the Blue Angels display team. The C-130 is one of only a very small number of types to remain in service with US forces for over 50 years, and there is no immediate end in sight for it just yet. With such an incredible story, I feel that author Ben has done a really good job of fitting it all in to the constraints of this book series, and the models I am sure will inspire plenty of modellers to build their own examples. Read the full review [link=https://www.militarymodelscenenew.com/book-reviews-1/lockheed-c-130]here[/link]
Military Model Scene

First published in 1944 this very welcome reprint is an astonishing story of indomitable spirit overcoming adversity. A pre-war pilot on the outbreak of WW2 William Simpson was serving with the Fairey Battle-equipped 12 Squadron and flew to France as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force. When the German assault against France and the Low Countries opened with unparallelled ferocity on 10 May 1940 Simpson led four Battles of B Flight to attack a column in Luxembourg. They successfully bombed in the face of heavy fire and only one aircraft returned. Simpson had to crash land his aircraft that burst into flames being dragged clear by his gallant crew but was desperately burned. Treated for his injuries in several French hospitals, he was repatriated in 1941 and came under the care of the remarkable Archibald McIndoe who slowly rebuilt his destroyed face and hands. The story of this courageous member if the Guinea Pig Club is movingly told with humour, humility and great humanity. An aviation.. Read more
Andrew Thomas - Author and Historian

Written with the full support of the family, this excellent biography tells the story of a distinguished founder member of the Royal Air Force. Initially serving in the ranks as an infantryman, in 1915 Brian Baker transferred to the RFC and started operational flying in France with just 12 hours flying experience! He was one of the lucky few that survived and later served as a flight commander as the first Bristol Fighter squadron with which he gained a dozen victories in the summer of 1917. By the end of the war, he was in command of a Home Defence squadron and opted to remain in the newly formed peacetime RAF. He was initially a flying instructor and later served on aircraft carriers. Rising through the ranks he served in many pivotal posts through WW2 including a key role in D-Day planning. Post war he was CinC Transport Command that included planning the Berlin Airlift. Crisply written with the benefit of access to family papers and personal letters, this is a well-crafted story of.. Read more
Andrew Thomas - Author and Historian

"If you genuinely want to know more about the subject, then this is a good place to start. Whatever your views, and however malleable you may be to persuasion, it is an enjoyable read."
RAF News - November 29, 2024