So much history

There is so much WWII history that I have never heard of.  Here is a small example.

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SAS

Got to love the SAS.

Movie review: The Dawn Patrol (1938)

Starring Basil Rathbone, Errol Flynn and David Niven.  How can this not be good?  I hadn’t realized when watching this film that it was a remake and that the first version was in 1930.  The story covers an RAF squadron on the western front in 1916 and the horrendous losses the RAF was suffering at the time.  The theme of the strain on command of having to send men into combat knowing they are unprepared and will likely not survive even one mission and the resentment of those doing the flying and knowing what will happen to the green replacements plays out as the main tension of the film.  Frankly, it reminded me in some ways of 12 o’clock High, the WWII-set B-17 drama. (The movie, not the TV show)

Of interest to modelers, the film used actual Neiuport 28s, as well as some 1920s and 30s aircraft done up as WWI aircraft.  The distant view aerial combat sequences come from the earlier 1930 film and you can see the difference in the film quality even though there was only an 8 year time difference.

Four of Five stars.  Well worth watching.

Bad British Tanks

I quite enjoyed this.

Armory WWI British truck

Apparently this has been announced.  Only place I can find any info is here.  I’d like to see a picture of the kit or a CAD or boxtop.  Anyone know where I can find more info?

Magazine review: Scale Aircraft Modelling Vol.41 #5 (July 2019)

I’ve looked back and realized I haven’t done a SAM review in about 4 years.  I used to do them all the time.  Out of the habit I guess.  I still get the magazine and live through its ups and downs.  This issue is the last by its current editor.  A new editor took over for the August issue.  I’ll review that when I get the time.

In this issue, two subjects I am greatly interested are covered.  There is a long form build review of the Revell/ICM MiG-25 RB.  While the RB is a recon version is a recon version, the cover of the magazine features a nice drawing of one of the interceptor versions.  There is also a color article on pre-WWII RAF far east colors, centering around whether any Vildebeestes were wearing a blue/green far east scheme. (They probably weren’t)  A good issue.  I enjoyed it and it took me more than 30 minutes to read it, which is a good sign.

My one criticism would be that in man of the short build reviews, the models built for the review don’t look very good.  If I were a manufacturer, I’d be worried about the impression these photos left of my models.

 

Not my cup of tea

but I know people who are eagerly anticipating the Dora Wings Lysander. (ahem, Jim Bates.)

Movie review: Master and Commander (2003)

While I had seen bits and pieces of this film from time to time, a recent modeling session and the purchase of the DVD finally led me to see the whole film.  It was worth it.  I am a fan of Crowe and I have heard a lot of good things about the books in the series that this movie was based on.  The movie was excellent.  It was well paced and really gave a feel for life in the age of sail.  The action scenes are compelling, well-paced and well shot.  The films was a small success at the box office when released, but not enough of one that the hoped-for sequels were made.  This is a shame.  It seems that all we get out of Hollywood is superhero movies these days, when movies like this would be much more compelling IMHO.  The movie did win two minor Oscars.  Four and a Half out of Five stars.  See it.

 

Royal Navy

Glad to see the Royal Navy upgrading and expanding their fleet.  One of the few NATO partners who is pulling their weight.

Hot Spot

The Persian Gulf may be moving up the list of world hot spots.  It may even now be above the South China Sea in the likelihood of shooting breaking out.