Now in paperback this standard of building ship models deals with the latest materials and techniques. These new materials have prompted innovative techniques; which are comprehensively demonstrated in this new manual. Designed for those wishing to achieve the best results from their ship kits in the 1:700 to 1:350 range of scales; it uses step by step photographs to take the reader through the building of two models; one in plastic and one in resin; from basic construction; fittings and detailing; to painting; finishing and display.
#1717840 in Books Duel - Ships Submarines 2010-06-22 2010-06-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 250.95 x .21 x 7.25l; .56 #File Name: 184603918580 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Superb book - even I have learned something new about WW2; no small featBy just another guyOne of the most interesting books on this subject. And am not just saying that because there are from zero to very few books dealing with this subject....I am a big fan of Forczyk. Many times the Osprey format of few too few pages leads an author to cut off important parts of the story or to be too succinct in his descriptions. Not Forczyk. He seems to thrive in this format.The book deals with training of both forces (rather specialized role for the german corsairs); their tactics and modes of operations; and then - what happened when both found each other. The role of maskirovka; deception and camouflage was huge. Forczyk criticizes the lackadaisical approach (literally !) of Royal Navy ships as they sail closer to inspect a German raider... But I for one can understand; as they have probably have done so ten or a hundred times; and how could they know that THIS TIME this innocent slow cargo ship would suddenly fire powerful naval guns point blank at them?The British Royal Navy does NOT come across as professional; modern fighting force. The Germans do.Highly; highly recommended.Bias: I am a big fan of Robert Forczyk; and ALL his books so far are worth getting. To me he is one of the greatest pop historians of all time.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An interesting analysis of a part of the war at sea in WW IIBy WryGuy2"German Commerce Raider vs British Cruiser"; by historian Robert Forczyk; is an entry in Osprey Publishing's Duel series. The duel format is typically 80 pages long; and presents an analysis of the factors ... human; mechanical; and tactical ... of the two weapons systems being compared; describes how the weapons were developed and utilized; and includes drawings; photographs; and illustrations.The author begins with an overview of German commerce raider operations in World War I; and what lessons each side ... German and British ... learned from that war. He then follows the standard series format; giving the design and development; technical specifications; and strategic situation for each side in the run-up to the World War II. He then shifts into describing the combatants and combat operations. The author closes by providing some statistics and analysis of the duel; and providing information on German raider efforts in 1942/43.One of the interesting things about this "duel" is that the Germans only sent 7 raiders out to sea in 1941; so Mr. Forczyk is able to provide information on them all; and to cover every fight between the German Raiders and British Cruisers. Although I have already read a fair amount about the German commerce raiders in World War II; the author was able to provide a lot of new information and backed it up with solid analysis on each side's strengths and weaknesses. It was a surprisingly low-tech duel during 1941; which played more to the German's advantage; while the British also failed to capitalize on their assets.In most of the books in Osprey's various series I begrudge the space most photographs and maps take up; but in this case I wish a few of the photographs and maps were larger. In particular; the author provides two maps that show the German operational areas; British operational deployments; bases; resupply points; and identifies where actions between cruisers and raiders took place in 1940 and in 1941. I'm impressed with these maps to be honest ... they succinctly summarize two years' worth of operations for both sides. The decision to size them so relatively small was undoubtedly the publisher's; not the author's; but I'd have gladly traded away other things so they'd be a full page each and easier to read. On the plus side of the photographs; there are some nice underwater color pictures of the HMAS Sydney and the Kormoran taken in 2008; which was the most famous battle of the war between these foes.Overall; a superb detailed overview of the cat and mouse game between the British shipping; the German raiders attempts to capture/sink them; and the British Cruisers efforts to clear the seas of the raiders. While the commerce raiders sank only a small fraction of allied shipping losses in World War II; they didn't cost the Germans much when compared to what they accomplished; and they should have launched more of them early in the war. I strongly recommend this book. Five stars.Next; I think the author should do a similar treatment of "German Commerce Raider vs British Cruiser: 1914-1918". :-)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. historyBy robert m burrowIf you like history about the WW2 this this is good; You get great photos of that period from the war as well as a well written text.
