by RNS | Jan 31, 2024 | Beating Tsundoku
Michael John Claringbould, Operation Ro-Go 1943 (Osprey, 2023)
The Japanese air offensive, Operation Ro-Go, commenced on 1 November 1943, leading to a concentrated period of action that lasted two weeks. The transfer of planes from Truk to Rabaul kicked off the campaign, with the pilots being told that their primary mission was to destroy enemy ships. But events took over as the Allies attacked Bougainville, and the Japanese switched from offense to defence. In this Osprey Air Campaign series volume, Michael John Claringbould tells that story.
Claringbould begins with a broad overview of the operation and a timeline of events. He notes the importance of weather and naval actions to the Ro-Go operation while acknowledging the growing disparity between the Japanese and rapidly expanding US air forces. Claringbould surveys the capabilities of each side, not just the planes and weapons, but the crews, logistical support, airfields, and radar systems. He turns to objectives and the conduct of the campaign, delving into the interplay of air, sea, and land forces to create a flowing narrative of operations. A telling photograph of a crashed Japanese Betty bomber introduces Claringbould’s description of the campaign’s aftermath and his analysis.
Operation Ro-Go will barely register with many readers of the Pacific War, and given the results, it might easily return to the background hum of that conflict. However, the variety of action stands out along with the intensity and dedication of both sides in this relatively small slice of a titanic struggle. Claringbould expertly illustrates a stage of the war that was turning against the Japanese, and there was seemingly little they could do about it. Osprey’s usual excellent artwork, maps, and photographs accompanies an engaging text that readers of WWII military history will enjoy.
by RNS | Jan 16, 2024 | Beating Tsundoku
Stu Fone, Basic Guide to Modelling (Key Publishing, 2023)
Books are dead trees, and their days are done, right? So, you have a model kit to build, you jump onto your laptop and search for all the stuff and knowledge you need to build it; then you download what you have found into a folder from which you can retrieve what you need. Or you can buy a book written by an expert that knows everything you need to know. Sometimes, old school is the right school.
BUY NOW
This book is a collection of twelve articles from Airfix Model World magazine. It begins with the tools you will need for every aspect of completing your kit. Then you have to cut the pieces from their sprues and tidy them up, or you can paint first and then clip. Gluing and painting occupy much of your time and are adequately covered. Applying decals follows, and Fone points out that these can make or break your finished model, so be careful here. But as with everything in this book, Fone walks you through that process assisted on each step by simple colour photographs. He moves onto some more advanced techniques with weathering and other environmental effects. Once you think you are done, you are not; next comes the tricky wee problem of applying the right varnish in the right way. If you are feeling really confident, Fone discusses some of the aftermarket extras you can add to your model. You might even want to have a go at scratch-building, which Tone covers in his penultimate chapter. Finally, you will want to know more, and Fone points you in various directions for techniques and inspiration.
A basic guide is judged on the clarity of instructions and a common sense approach to process. Fone’s guide to modelling passes both of those with flying colours. This is a book that will surely sit on your modelling desk and will be well-thumbed before too long.
