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1

Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: Prototypes expérimentaux Dassault 1960-1980

« Last post by elmayerle on Yesterday at 07:46:23 pm »

Amazon-France says that it will be out the end of this coming June.  I am quite tempted to order through them.

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: New book 'Focke-Wulf Jet Fighters' by Justo Miranda

« Last post by elmayerle on Yesterday at 07:26:26 pm »

Finally received the Focke-Wulf book today, and at first blush, it's another winner from Sr. Miranda.  I particularly like the chapters on the post-war developments in Argentina and India, and the one on "Russian Fakes" that led to the early fictitious "MiG-19" kits from Aurora and Lindberg.  (Don't blame the modelmakers - they got the information from supposedly reputable aviation magazines!)

I will second this review.  I'm working my way through it now and quite enjoying it.  The engineer in me greatly enjoys the many drawings included.

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: Tupolev Tu‑160: Soviet Strike Force Spearhead

« Last post by elmayerle on April 16, 2018, 10:33:29 pm »

The book arrived.

Compared to "A. M. Zatuchny, V. Rigmant  and P. M. Sineokiy, Ed Polygon", true reference, "Gordon & Kmossarov, Ed Schiffer" is a hard contender. In my opinion, there's no alternative for those who can't read Russian.

The Schiffer book is a big volume, beautiful edited with lots of big pictures, many of it in colour. Unbuilt project enthusiasts will be delighted.

Chapter 1: the great contest (pag 9 to 52) Tupolev bid Tu-160IS, Tu-160M (first use) and Tu-160M VG variant, Sukhoi T-4MS, Myasishchev M-20 (about to 20 versions described and illustrated), M-18
Chapter 2: the bomber takes shape (pag 53 to 86): the different preliminay designs (1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7, 8A, 8B, 9, and 10) are shown in gorgeus detail from different desktop model photos and three view drawing
Chapter 5: versions and projects (pag 151 to 164): Tu-160PP (3 view drawing), Tu-160 NK74 engines, Tu-160M (second use), Tu-160V, Tu-160K (internal profile drawing), Tu-160SK (drawing and desktop models), Tu-160 civil registration (desktop model), Tu-160M Mid-life update (third use), Tu-160M2

I also like Chapter 6: Tu-160 in detail, Chapter 7: Tu-160 in service and Chapter 8: Blackjack vs Bone

Hopefully some of this information made it into Gordon's new book

Both books share a lot of common pictures. I can't tell about the text since I can't read Russian. But I see more projects and tables n the Polygon book because it tells the competition story from an earlier point in the timeline, including previous bomber designs to the official Tu-160 RFP, and ends with prospective follow on projects too. It's a pity to see considerable information amounts from Russian language literature lost in its English language adaptations.

There are also a great number of colour profiles showing aircraft markings and curious and artistical photos which benefit from the unique nature and dimensions of the aircraft.
The large format and paper quality of the volume contribute to a great extent.

I think I left nothing to say. I strongly recommend it.

Note that the same authors of the Polygon book also do an equally good and comprehensive book on the Tu-95/-114/-142/-95MC family of aircraft.  I received both of those books today in a real "doorstop" of a package.

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: Question about new BSP series

« Last post by CJGibson on April 16, 2018, 12:59:10 pm »

Evening all,

What we on this forum call BSP4 is actually (to give it its Sunday name) British Secret Projects - Hypersonics, Ramjets and Missiles. It was only ever called BSP4 as a shorthand that sounded better than BSPHRM as it came after Tony's three BSP books. I don't recall who started calling it that or when, a decade ago probably. Wasn't me. I liked it and used it.

There's no question of Tony trespassing on my manor, my subject matter is highly varied, qv the Project Tech Profiles, so I don't really have a manor as my interests are wide. Take it back in history and we all trespass on Derek Wood's manor. Any information Tony has used was already published and since Tony and I discuss such things - and with other writers - no apology required. In fact I find the idea quite disturbing.

As Tony says the BSPn series numbers are new, Crecy have updated and appended the originals (effectively new books if BSP2 is anything to go by) and the new BSPn series benefits from modern production techniques such as full colour printing. Vulcan's Hammer and Battle Flight are expansions and updates of the AAMs, SAMs and ASMs chapters in BSP4. The Air Staff and the Helicopter (ASATH) grew from a chapter deleted from On Atlas' Shoulders and the deleted chapter on ATGWs from BSP4 might see the light of day some day.

At the end of the day, it's the publishers who decide what gets produced and what it's called.

Chris

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: Question about new BSP series

« Last post by PaulMM (Overscan) on April 16, 2018, 01:34:03 am »

Hello Nick and Everyone.

Many thanks for your question. I guess I should have clarified all of this earlier.

Firstly, I had no idea that any of the updated BSP1 and 2 text and info had pulled in items from BSP4. All I did was revamp the old titles and add what new information I had here, so I apologise if I might have stepped into some of Chris's territory (the top man for hypersonics and missiles of course, and so much more).

Second, yes the split WW2 volume will be BSP3 Fighters and BSP4 Bombers - that was a Crecy decision made quite some time ago now. This numbering sequence does not take in to account the original Midland Publishing editions.

For 3 and 4, again I will add what new information I have, with I hope plenty of new illustrations. But I have no intention of expanding the parameters, which were essentially to cover types that were designed and developed during WW2, or in the second half of the 1930s with the knowledge that war was coming. I will not go back to say 1930, which to my mind takes us into an area that demands a separate volume.

As far as I know Crecy have no plans for a BSP6 and BSP7, or if they have what subjects they might cover. I guess there is scope for a volume covering British fighters and bombers say from 1920 to 1935, but I have no wish to do that myself. When the revisions of BSP3 and 4 are done I think I will have had enough! However, if anyone would like to offer further volumes in the series (and of course if Crecy decides to take them on) then I would be only too pleased to give all the support and help that I can.

Very best wishes to you all. Tony.

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Question about new BSP series

« Last post by Nick Sumner on April 15, 2018, 11:07:01 am »

The New BSP 1 and 2 expand on the old volumes but it is noticeable that some of the info from Old BSP 4 (hypersonics etc) has made its way into the New BSP 1 and 2.

The New BSP 3 is fighters 35-50, so presumably New BSP 4 will be bombers 35-50.

So will the information in Old BSP 4 find its way into another expanded volume?

I supose what I'm really asking is what is the plan for New BSP 6?

And 7...

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: New book 'Focke-Wulf Jet Fighters' by Justo Miranda

« Last post by Justo Miranda on April 14, 2018, 04:02:09 am »

Hi

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: Prototypes expérimentaux Dassault 1960-1980

« Last post by Deltafan on April 13, 2018, 02:29:25 pm »

Yes, and it's the same author.

I presume that the H&C part will be inside the new ETAI book.

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: Putnam books, differences between editions

« Last post by gatoraptor on April 13, 2018, 02:13:09 pm »

It's back!  For some reason the UWS database has a habit of disappearing and reappearing on their website.  At the moment, it's back, so enjoy its coverage.  It's not absolutely complete, but it's quite close.

http://www.specialcollections.uws.ac.uk/putnam_books.asp

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Bookshelf & Marketplace / Re: New book 'Focke-Wulf Jet Fighters' by Justo Miranda

« Last post by gatoraptor on April 13, 2018, 02:08:37 pm »

Finally received the Focke-Wulf book today, and at first blush, it's another winner from Sr. Miranda.  I particularly like the chapters on the post-war developments in Argentina and India, and the one on "Russian Fakes" that led to the early fictitious "MiG-19" kits from Aurora and Lindberg.  (Don't blame the modelmakers - they got the information from supposedly reputable aviation magazines!)