The Battle of Midway
4 to 7 June 1942

by Patrick Branly

Valiant Wings Publishing
Airframe Extra No.10

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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Airframe Extra is a softcover A4 magazine style booklet and this edition covers the Battle of Midway from the 4th June to 7th June 1940.  The history text is written by Patrick Branly with excellent colour profiles by Richard.J.Caruana.  A number of models in 1/48 and 1/144 are depicted by Steve.A.Evans and 1/72 by Libor Jeld.

The first Section contains the history leading towards the battle with the Japanese expansion and build up.  A good explanation of the Japanese forces is included including black and white photographs of the aircraft carriers Kaga, Akagi,Hiryu and Soryu.  A colour map displays the route of both the Japanese and US forces as they proceded towards the island of Midway and a photograph of the island prior to the battle is included.  It is interesting to note that the island is so small that the entire island is basically an airfield.

An explanation of the United States forces is provided with black and white photographs of the Yorktown, Enterprise and Hornet provided.  A full description of the battle is provided over 13 pages with lots of photographs of the carriers and their aircraft.  Detailed drawings describe the battle plan as it unfolded. By the end of the battle the Japanese forces had lost two thirds of their combined fleet and were never in a position to strike in the same way they did in the first six months of the war.  The battle of Midway is one of the most significant battles of the Pacific Theatre and is considered the turning point of the war.

A full colour reference chart covering acrylic paints by Gunze, Humbrol, Lifecolour, Model Mission Models, Tamiya and Xtracrylic  and enamels by Akan, Hataka, Humbrol, Gunze, Revell, White Ensign and Xtracolor is provided for both US and IJN forces.

The remainder of the publication covers superb builds of the following model kits:

Steve.A.Evans

• 1/48 Academy SB2U-3 Vindicator
• 1/48 Italeri TBM-1 Avenger
• 1/48 Hasegawa B5N2 Kate
• 1/144 Sweet A6M2b Zero

Libor Jeld

• 1/72 Airfix F4F-4 Wildcat
• 1/72 Hasegawa SBD-3 Dauntless
• 1/72 Airfix B5N2 Kate

Richard.J.Caruana provides excellent colour profiles of the aircraft that were included in the battle.

Conclusion

A superb reference for anyone interested in the battle of Midway and in particular for colour schemes and kits to build.  Its release is very timely after the release of the excellent movie “Midway” earlier this year.

Reviewed by Mick Evans

This is a superb reference for anyone interested in the battle of Midway and in particular for colour schemes and kits to build.  Its release is very timely after the release of the excellent movie “Midway” earlier this year.

Thanks to Valiant Wings Publishing for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2020 by Mick Evans
This Page Created on 26 August, 2020
Last updated 26 August, 2020

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