Junkers Ju 88 was one of the most universal aircrafts taking part in the Second World War. It was designed as a fast bomber and it worked perfectly well in this role, especially during low-level airstrikes and shallow diving attacks. It could also be the night fighter, torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. The heavy fighter and fighter-bomber version of the Ju 88 was marked as variant C. The aircraft was designed to have strong offensive armament and be able to carry a certain bomb load, as in version A. The Ju 88 C had a solid nose which was adapted for the installation of machine guns and cannons. Usually the weaponry consisted of one MG FF cal. 20 mm cannon and three MG 17 machine guns cal. 7.92 mm. The characteristic gondola under the nasal section of the fuselage was originally kept, but in some units it was dismounted to reduce the airframe’s weight and air resistance, thus increasing the aircraft’s performance. Eventually the Ju 88 C evolved to the night fighter and gained the most popularity in this role.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F (Friedrich) is one of the most important versions of this famous fighter. It was powered by the same engine (DB 601E) as the preceding Bf 109 E (Emil), but the airframe design differed significantly compared to its predecessor. The plane gained a more aerodynamic profile due to the new engine cowling (the engine had its own starter, which resulted in the extension of the unit), a new, rounder propeller hub and rounded wing tips. In addition, supports were removed under horizontal stabilizers. Bf 109 F had its first flight on January 26, 1939. Two prototypes were built. Two machines in version Bf 109 D were also rebuilt for testing the new engine installations. Friedrich had new under-wing radiators, which were twice as wide and lower than those used in the previous version of the aircraft. They were equipped with a two-part flap regulating the air supply. The prolonged tests and new requirements on the fighter’s armament delayed the implementation of Bf 109 F for series production. The Messerschmitt company had signed a contract with the Reich Ministry of Aviation, which specified the requirements for two variants of the fighter’s weaponry: a light variant with MG151/15 in the fuselage and a heavy variant with MG FF/M in the fuselage.

The German heavy tank Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger is a vehicle known even to laymen. It was heavily armored and armed with a deadly 88 mm gun. Despite their legend, the Tigers were plagued by several technical problems, especially with propulsion, which often did not allow them to fully use their combat potential. The main motivator for designing the Pz.Kpfw. VI was eager to install a Flak 36 antiaircraft gun 36 caliber 88 in the turret. It was a weapon that could destroy Soviet tanks on long distances. In addition, it was necessary to build a tank able to withstand fire from the T-34/76 guns, which effectively eliminated the German medium tanks Pz.Kpfw. III and IV. A competition for a tank that fulfills these requirements was set, and in April 1942 the prototypes of Porshe and Henschel went for the final duel. After a series of tests, the tank developed by Henshel proved to be better. It received the designation Sd.Kfz. 181 Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. H1 and went into production at the plants in Kassel-Mittelfeld and Wegmann AG. The tank was plagued by many teething problems, and as a result, many subsequent construction changes were introduced in the course of production. Considering the periods of their implementation, it is possible to extract Tigers of early production series, vehicles after modification and vehicles of late production series.

The Japanese Navy ordered two new battleships in 1912. They were an improved version of Fuso type battleships. Their construction was included in the equipment plan 8-4 of the fleet (8 battleships and 4 heavy cruisers), which was approved by the government and parliament. The amount of money allocated totaled 80 million yen. Design work began in 1913 and all funds for the start of word were collected by July 1914. On May 6, 1915, at the Mitsubishi group shipyard in Nagasaki, a keel for the new battleship was laid. On January 27, 1917, the ship was launched receiving the name Hyuga (after the name of the province). On November 1, 1917, Commander Eitaro Shimodairo became the first captain of the battleship. The Hyuga battleship project was based on the design of the Fuso battleship. Some changes were made to it. The hull was extended by 3 meters, and the armor of the ship's magazines and the central command post were changed. The layout of guns 1 and 2 was changed, which allowed placing the boiler room closer to the bow and fitting the funnels closer to each other. It also allowed putting artillery guns 3 and 4 behind the boiler room. It was not a good choice, because it was necessary to carry the steam ducts to the engine room through the ship's magazines. A better solution was to install the wires under the ship's magazines and over the double bottom.

Scale plans in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 of the P-51B/C & F-6C Mustang.

The next book in the popular Polish Wings series is on the famous Russian WW2 bombers in Polish Air Forces. Covers duty of these aircraft during WW2 and postwar period. More than 120 photos, mostly unpublished, and many color profiles.

This book is a compilation in which we will find in one place (two volumes) the stories of all the German battleships that were in Kriegsmarine service. The author describes their history in the order in which they entered the service devoting much attention to their construction and precisely describing the differences among them. He goes back to the history of the service, trying not to forget about the many curiosities in this policy and people who had a direct influence on their fate. The book includes Many excellent quality photographs primarily from private collections.All the ships are described and illustrated with full technical specifications, profusely illustrated with scale drawings and color illustrations.

Scale plans of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E in 1/24 scale.4 fold-outs in 650 x 297 mm. size.

Bulgaria is arguably the historically most underrated Axis ally that actually fought the Allies during World War 2. Despite remaining outside the main battleground of the war, the Eastern Front, this Balkan country did take its fair share of warfare, particularly due to the combat activity of its fighter air force against the armada of US bombers and their fighter escorts, in 1943 and 1944. Then, following an about-face in early September 1944, the Bulgarians combatted their former ally, the Germans. This notable air activity is largely unknown outside Bulgaria, and is not very much popularized even within the country, despite fully deserving the utmost attention.This two-volume book describes and illustrates all the fighter and fighter trainer aircraft used by the Bulgarian armed forces before, during, and shortly after WW 2. These aircraft were procured from the following countries: Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia. Emphasis is placed on the most potent German fighter types, the Messerschmitt Bf 109E and G, as well as the top-notch fighter type of France, the Dewoitine D.520. However, rare, exotic models, including the sole locally built prototype that fits the definition, the DAR-5, are also included. The camouflage and markings, as well as the military coding system of these large variety of aircraft types are described in great details. Fully illustrated with many rare photos, most of them seen for the first time in print. Mutinously detailed colour profiles of many representative aircraft type are included as well. Summing up, this lavishly illustrated, full-colour two-volume book, spanning across over 600 pages, is the reference work of the fighter and fighter trainer aircraft, as well as the pilots who flew for the Royal Bulgarian Air Force prior to, during, and shortly after World War 2.

Scale plans in 1/700, 1/350 and 1/200 of the IJN Destroyers Matsu Class.A3 size pages in A4 pb.12 A3 size scale plans

Master Modeller Liejon Schoot presents a visual guide to constructing a fully detailed replica of the complex interior of the famous Elephant Tank destroyer from scratch. He then goes on to modify the exterior to the same incredibly high standards as the 488 images clearly document along with unique reference images of the real vehicle.

Scale plans of the Heinkel He 111 H in 1/32 scale.4 fold-outs in 650 x 297 mm. size.

Scale plans of the Junkers Ju 88A in 1/32 scale.4 fold-outs in 650 x 297 mm. size.

Scale plans of the Messerschmitt Bf 110 C & D in 1/32 scale.4 fold-outs in 650 x 297 mm. size.

A detailed account of the railways of South America in their fading "glory years" where it was still possible to travel from one side of the continent to the other. The book includes well researched historical information on the railways of every country in South America, as well as personal recollections of the trials and tribulations of what travelling by train in some of the most inaccessible parts of the continent could be like. By well-known expert on Latin American railways, Ian Thomson-Newman.

Summer Special of "Narrow Gauge Net" magazine, featuring historical articles and photo features.