Spitfire

The Story of the Spitfire: An Operational and Combat History
$39.95
So many books have been written on the Spitfire that one wonders if we need yet another volume on the classic Supermarine fighter. Ken Delve steps up to bat with this "Operational and Combat History" published in 2007 by Greenhill Books. Though it's rather dry, Delve's book is worth a look.

In his introduction, Delve states that his book "concentrates on the tactical employment of the Spitfire in its air-to-air and air-to-ground roles." Consequently, the emphasis throughout the book is clearly on airframe/power plant nuts-and-bolts rather than blow-by-blow descriptions of endless air battles. In part the cursory nature of Delve's summary of the Spit's global combat activities reflects the fact that, while THE STORY OF THE SPITFIRE runs to 272 pages, 102 pages of that is given over to Appendices dealing with Squadron assignments, results of trials, etc. By the end of the book, the reader has learned much about the machine but not as much about the men that flew and maintained it.

So, THE STORY OF THE SPITFIRE gets a mixed rating. Parts of the book were enjoyable and interesting; other sections read like something out of a tech manual. Recommended with reservations.

Spitfire Brand Personal Defense Pepper Spray - 4.5 grams (black dispenser)
$17.00
Product was as described and found to be easy to use. Timely shipment and in good condition.

Revell 1:48 Spitfire MKII
$15.99
these are the best for kids over 10 and adults too. its fun and takes some skill. you can paint and decal any way you like to make the plane your own version. great fun!!!!

World War II Movies: One of Our Aircraft is Missing/Spitfire/We Dive at Dawn
$5.98
I always enjoyed "One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing", and bought this little set for "Spitfire", starring the doomed Leslie Howard as the doomed Reginald Mitchell, designer of the wonderful Supermarine Spitfire and the Supermarine Racer. "We Dive At Dawn" is interesting, chiefly to see the difference between the US Navy fleet subs I grew up watching in films like Up Periscope and Run Silent, Run Deep and to see old friend John Mills, fresh off his "triumph" in In Which We Serve.

One thing I found very interesting was the packaging: "One Of Our Aircraft, etc" is about a Lockheed Hudson crew, though the DVD cover shows a Lancaster....and then I went "Hey, radial engines! What the...?" Turns out the picture is of a Lancaster II, which was equipped with Bristol Hercules engines, rather than Rolls Royce Merlins. The Hercules performed wonderfully in the Beaufighter and Sunderland, but the Lanc II's bomb load and service ceiling each were only 2/3 of the Merlin-engined Lancs.....which makes even less effective the ill-fated Manchester, which the Lanc replaced.