Research Books and Magazines

101 CLASSIC TOY TRAINS by Kalmbach HobbyStore item number: KAL64100

Featuring plans from Model Railroader magazine from three decades, each of the 101 track plans has a newly written, informational description of the design. The track plans range in size from simple 4 x 8 foot and smaller layouts to room- and garage-sized showpieces, with the majority focusing on mid-size layouts.Author: From Model RailroaderISBN: 9780890247761Size: 8 1/4 x 5 1/2Pages: 88Illustrations: 101

Easy-to-use plans in every size, shape and scale -- from tiny card-table layouts to giant garage-size railroads. Demonstrates how to design a railroad to fit any space, shows how to convert plans to N, HO, S, and O scales.Author: Linn H. WestcottISBN: 9780890245125Size: 8 1/4 x 11 1/4Pages: 72Illustrations: 118

Number of Pages: 52Illustrations: Black and WhiteLarge, clear diagrams of (7) interesting layoutsLayout planning and construction (step-by-step instructions and photos)Complete and simple wiring instructions and guidelinesHints on how to scenic our railroad with buildings, paint, and landscapingTips that will eliminate mistakes and frustration

If you want to see what one of the most famous passenger trains in America was like, here it is! The year 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the 20th Century Limited, one of the most famous passenger trains in America. This New York-Chicago train was the way to travel between the America's two largest and most important cities in the first half of the 20th Century. The train is well known in many cultural aspects including being the route for celebrities, and it was one of the...

This book contains all-new material from a star-studded roster of Model Railroader authors - Tony Koester, Mont Switzer, Cody Grivno, Jeff Wilson, James McNab, Keith Kohlmann. In 25 Freight Car Projects, modelers will find a wide variety of modeling techniques and ideas. With a focus on HO and N scales, this book provides step-by-step photos and instructions to show readers how to model a range of freight cars.

475th Fighter Group by OspreyItem Number: OSPAEU23Aviation Elite Units 23Author: John StanawayIllustrator: Chris DaveyAbout this bookFormed with the best available fighter pilots in the Southwest Pacific, the 475th Fighter Group was the pet project of Fifth Air Force chief, General George C Kenney. From the time the group entered combat in August 1943 until the end of the war it was the fastest scoring group in the Pacific and remained one of the crack fighter units in the entire US Army Air...

57th Fighter Group - First in the Blue by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPAEU39Aviation Elite Units 39Author: Carl MolesworthIllustrator: Jim LaurierAbout this bookOrganized in January 1941, just as the United States was building up military forces for its inevitable entry into World War II, the 57th Fighter Group was the first USAAF fighter unit to go into action in North Africa. It went on to establish a number of other "firsts" during its illustrious combat history in this theatre. Flying...

611 In Steam DVD (Explore the history and 2015 restoration of world famous Norfolk & Western Class J 611) from Kalbach Hobby Store Item Number:KAL15113 Trains magazine explores the history and 2015 restoration of world famous Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611. Join us as we witness the re-birth of this classic 1950 streamlined beauty, acclaimed as the best and most powerful steam passenger locomotive ever built. Approximate running time: 1 hour.

About this Osprey Publishing BookAt the height of the Seven Years' War, Great Britain made an audacious strike at the heart of Spanish colonial power in the Caribbean. Gathering troops from bases in Britain and Canada and sailing across the Atlantic in secrecy was an incredible feat. The raid on Havana took Spanish colonial forces completely by surprise and following vicious fighting, the city defences at El Moro collapsed. Havana, the jewel in the Spanish colonial crown, now belonged to...

About this Osprey Publishing BookA Fistful of Kung Fu brings the hyper-kinetic, bullet-spraying, demon-slaying, kung-fu-fighting action of Hong Kong movies and Asian cinema to the wargames tabletop. In a modern world walking a precarious line between the advances of next-generation technology and the tradition and mysticism of ancient cultures, Kung Fu schools face off in no-holds-barred tournaments, corporations hire agents and spies to steal each other's secrets, overworked SWAT teams...

Author: Paul EaglestoneIllustrator: Mark StaceyAbout this bookOften called the _Pulp Era_, the years between the two World Wars have seen a tremendous surge in interest among wargamers. A World Aflame captures the adventurous nature of the time period to present a fun, fast-paced set of tabletop miniatures rules that can handle the many diverse conflicts of the period, from the Chinese Civil Wars and the _Great Game_ in Central Asia, to the Irish War of Independence and the bitter ideological...

Author: Philip J Birtles200096 Pages

About this Osprey Publishing BookThe 325th FG was activated under General Order number 50 on 30 July 1942 and set up training operations at Theodore F Greene Field in Providence, Rhode Island. By mid-December 1942 the group was considered ready for combat and the alert for overseas duty arrived on 2 January 1943. The pilots and their P-40s departed on the carrier USS Ranger on 8 January and flew their aircraft off the vessel into Cazes airfield, near Casablanca, on 19 January 1943. After the...

Acre 1291 by OspreyItem Number: OSPCAM154Campaign 154Author: David NicolleIllustrator: Graham TurnerAbout this bookIn April 1291, a Mamluk army laid siege to Acre, the last great Crusader fortress in the Holy Land. For six weeks, the siege dragged on until the Mamluks took the outer wall, which had been breached in several places. The Military Orders drove back the Mamluks temporarily, but three days later the inner wall was breached. King Henry escaped, but the bulk of the defenders and most...

Afgan Cave Complexes 1979-2004 by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPFOR26Following the Soviet invasion in 1979, the Mujahideen defenders of Afghanistan developed and reinforced many natural cave systems to use as supply bases and defensive positions. The Taliban and Al Qaeda further strengthened these positions in the 1990s. Following the events of September 11, 2001, these cave systems have once more come to prominence and sites such as Tora Bora and Zhawar Kili have featured in news headlines...

About half a million African Americans served overseas during World War II, almost all in segregated second-line units. This artificially limited their potential contribution, but their work - especially along the logistic lifelines of the fighting divisions - was vital. This book summarizes the service of these men and women; and it also focuses on the small proportion who, remarkably, overcame prejudicial barriers to reach the battlefields in combat units of the US forces and Coast Guard....

Afrikakorps 1941-43 by OspreyItem Number: OSPELI34Elite 34Author: Gordon WilliamsonIllustrator: Ronald VolstadAbout this bookThe campaign in North Africa between September 1940 and May 1943 holds not only an enduring fascination for postwar generations; but also a perhaps unique degree of nostalgia for some surviving participants. The campaign was no less costly in terms of human lives and material than many others; but regret at the cost is accompanied by positive memories in the minds of...

Airbrush Technique Skinner DVD by Kalmbach HobbyStore item number: KAL15347

Airbrushing for Scale Modelers by Aaron Skinner from Kalbach Hobby Store Item Number:KAL12485 In this book, popular author Aaron Skinner provides a comprehensive guide to airbrushing. Inside this indispensable tool, scale modelers will find: • Advice for modeling armor, aircraft, automobiles, figures, ships, and more. • 600+ step-by-step photos. • Practical techniques every scale modeler should know. Author: Aaron Skinner ISBN: 9780890249574 Size: 8.25 x 10.75 Pages: 128...

Alamo Texan War Independence 1835-36 by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPMAA173In 1823 Texas was opened to American settlement; over the next 12 years thousands took advantage of the opportunity. During this time the corrupt Santa Anna rose to power. A dishonest and ruthless politician, thief, compulsive gambler, opium addict and liar, he nevetheless gained a measure of popular support and set about destroying federalism. Conflict with the American settlers ('Texians') became inevitable, a...

Albatros Aces Of Ww-I Pt1 by OspreyItem Number: OSPACE32Author: Norman FranksIllustrator: Harry DempseyAbout this bookThe Albatros family of fighters were amongst the most effective aircraft employed by the Idlfieg (Imperial German Air Service) for much of World War 1, with the D.III and D.Va being flown by most of the 363 pilots who qualified as aces at some point in their often brief careers. The Albatros was the scourge of the RFC on the Western Front in 1916-17, with pilots of the calibre...

About this Osprey Publishing BookIn 1916 German aerial domination, once held sway by rotary-engined Fokker and Pfalz E-type wing-warping monoplanes, had been lost to the more nimble French Nieuports and British DH 2s which not only out-flew the German fighters but were present in greater numbers. Born-from-experience calls from German fighter pilots requested that, rather than compete with the maneuverability of these adversaries, new single-engine machines should be equipped with higher...

About this Osprey Publishing BookIn 52 BC Caesar's continued strategy of annihilation had engendered a spirit of desperation, which detonated into a revolt of Gallic tribes under the leadership of the charismatic young Arvernian noble Vercingetorix. Major engagements were fought at Noviodunum, Avaricum, and Gergovia, with the last action being the most serious reverse that Caesar faced in the whole of the Gallic War. However, Vercingetorix soon realized that he was unable to match the Romans...

Allied Commanders WW II by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPMAA120The Second World War, unlike the First, fostered the projection of 'characters'. Thanks to the media, many of the Allied commanders became household names, known as much for their successes and defeats on the battlefield as for their personalities. This book provides a brief review of the careers of some of the most notable figures to achieve high command in the Allied forces, a list that includes General of the Army Omar...

Allied WW-II Sabotage Devices by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPELI184Elite 184Author: Gordon L RottmanIllustrator: Peter DennisAbout this bookFollowing Churchill"s directive to 'set occupied Europe ablaze,' the SOE and later its American sister organization, the OSS, were deployed across the continent. Outnumbered, surrounded and in great peril, these brave agents were armed with a wide variety of devices to help them achieve their objectives, including numerous pieces of sabotage equipment...

About this Osprey Publishing BookWhile the introduction of the Merlin engine did improve the Mustang's performance and produce the bubble-canopied fighters with which we associate the name, credit must be given to the Allison-engined variants that preceded it. From its inception in early 1940, the Mustang's development was extraordinarily rapid - such was the need for a fighter at the time, and the confidence in its design. By early January 1942, the Mustang was in service with the RAF, flying...

Confederate Armies, Vol. I by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPMAA170When the Southern states seceded to form their own government in 1861, one of their first moves was to organise an army. The South's fighting men served from the time of their enlistment until the end of the war, receiving poor rations, and even worse clothing - and this despite the fact that one of the first steps taken by the new army was to design a uniform and establish standards for accoutrements and weapons. In this...

American Civil War Mississippin Fortifications & River Forts, Part 3 by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPFOR68The Mississippi River played a decisive role in the American Civil War. The Confederate fortifications that controlled the lower Mississippi valley were put to the test in the lengthy Federal campaign of 1862-63. Vicksburg was a fortress city, known as the 'Gibraltar of the Confederacy', whose capture was seen as the key to victory in the war. This book explores the fortifications of...

American Civil War Guerrilla Tactics by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPELI174Elite 174Author: Sean McLachlanIllustrators: Gerry Embleton Samuel EmbletonAbout this bookWhile the giant armies of the Union and the Confederacy were fighting over cities and strategic strongholds, a large number of warriors from both sides were fighting, smaller, more personal battles. Beginning with the violent struggle known as -Bleeding Kansas- armed bands of irregular fighters began to wage war in every corner...

American Civil War Rr Tactics by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPELI171The American Civil War was the world's first full-blown 'railroad war'. The well-developed network in the North was of great importance in serving the Union armies' logistic needs over long distances, and the sparser resources of the South were proportionately even more important. Both sides invested great efforts in raiding and wrecking enemy railroads and defending and repairing their own, and battles often revolved...

American Colonial Rangers The Northern Colonies 1724-64 by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPWAR85Warrior 85Illustrator: Gary ZabolyAbout this bookThis title examines the development of the Colonial Rangers in this period, and shows how they were taught to survive in the woods, to fight hand-to-hand, to scalp a fallen foe, and to fight across all types of terrain and in all weather conditions. Based on previously unpublished source material, it paints a vivid picture of the life, appearance and...

American Light & Med Frigates by OspreyItem Number: OSPNVG147New Vanguard 147Author: Mark LardasIllustrators: Tony Bryan Giuseppe RavaAbout this bookThe 'Original Six' frigates were commissioned by the new-born US Navy at a staggering cost of nearly $700,000. Designed to be light and fast, these warships enabled America to project its power across the globe. Among the ships Mark Lardas examines is USS Constellation: the first ship to be commissioned by the United States Navy. Alongside...

Author: Ren_ ChartrandIllustrators: Gerry Embleton Sam EmbletonAbout this bookTo celebrate the 450th titlein the Men-at-Arms series,this book examines in muchmore depth than previouslythe units and the uniforms of a still-controversialarmy: the many thousandsof American colonists who chose to fight for King George during the Revolution. As wellas the better-known corps fromthe Atlantic seaboard, theauthor covers the units raised for service against the Spanish in the Floridas, the...

Ancient Assyrians by OspreyItem Number: OSPELI39Elite 39Author: Mark HealyIllustrator: Angus McBrideAbout this bookFor the greater part of the period from the end of the 10th century to the 7th century BC, the Ancient Near East was dominated by the dynamic military power of Assyria. At the zenith of its rule Assyria could lay claim to an empire that stretched from Egypt in the west to the borders of Iran in the east and encompassed for the first time in history, within the realm of a single...

Formidable and sophisticated, triremes were the deadliest battleships of the ancient world and at the height of their success the Athenians were the dominant exponents of their devastating power. Primarily galleys designed to fight under oar power, their main weapon was a bronze-plated ram situated at the prow. This book offers a complete analysis of the most potent battleship of its time; the weapon by which Athens achieved, maintained and ultimately lost its power and prosperity.

Author: Mark HarrisonIllustrator: Gerry EmbletonAbout this bookThe collapse of Roman rule in Britain was not so much a sudden catastrophe as a long and drawn-out decline. The 'Celtic' Britons retreated gradually to the highland areas of Wales, Cornwall and the south-west of Scotland. Control of the fertile eastern lowlands was lost to warriors of Germanic origin who migrated from the Continent. These Germanic conquerors have become known to history as the 'Anglo-Saxons'. They were to dominate...

Antietam 1862 by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPCAM32Antietam was one of the critical battles of the American Civil War. The fortunes of the South were riding high after the resounding victory at Second Manassas. While Bragg and Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky, Lee's invasion of Maryland was intended to maintain the Southern offensive momentum and to win the recognition of the European powers. But his bold plan was compromised - and at the Antietam River the Army of Northern Virginia was...

The Apache culture of the latter half of the 19th century blended together the lifestyles of the Great Plains, Great Basin and the South-West, but it was their warfare that captured the imagination. This book reveals the skilful tactics of the Apache people as they raided and eluded the much larger and better-equipped US government forces. Drawing on primary research conducted in the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, this book reveals the small-unit warfare of the Apache tribes as they...

About this Osprey Publishing BookFrom an internationally renowned expert on US history, this highly illustrated title details the curtain-closing campaign of the American Civil War in the East. Ulysses S Grant's Army of the Potomac and Robert E Lee's Army of Northern Virginia faced up to one another one last time, resulting in Lee conducting a desperate series of withdrawals and retreats down the line of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, hoping to join forces with General Joseph E....

Most studies of medieval warfare in the late 14th and 15th centuries concentrate on the Hundred Years' War between England and France and the Wars of the Roses. But meanwhile, on the Iberian peninsula, the foundations of Spain's military -Golden Age' were being laid as the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon under the Trastamara dynasty grew in power, ambition and success. Featuring spectacular full-colour artwork, and rare manuscript illustrations, this book depicts the fighting men whose skill...

Armies Of Ivan The Terrible 1505-1700 by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPMAA427It is generally assumed that the military reforms which propelled Russia into the modern world were due solely to the genius of Peter the Great. In fact, his reforms were built upon changes that had taken place during the previous 200 years, since the creation in 1550 of Russia-s first full-time military force - the streltsi - by Ivan IV the Terrible. This account traces Russia-s armies from that beginning, through...

Author: Sean McLachlanIllustrator: Raffaele RuggeriAbout this bookIn the late 19th century, the new nation-state of Italy was eager to join her European neighbours in creating an international empire, and her eyes turned toward Africa as a source of potential colonies. Securing a foothold in Eritrea on the Red Sea coast, the Italians quickly became embroiled in a shooting war with the Ethiopians. The war proved a disaster for the Italians, who suffered three major defeats against the forces of...

Author: Philip JowettIllustrator: Stephen WalshAbout this bookIn 1912, the Balkan states formed an alliance in an effort to break free from the crumbling Ottoman Empire. Forming an army of some 645,000 troops from Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenego, they took on a force of 400,000 Turkish soldiers. Both sides were equipped with the latest weapons technology. This book looks at the diverse and sometimes colourful uniforms worn by both sides, paying special attention to insignia, weapons and...

Armies Of The Carthaginian War 256-146 BC by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPMAA121The epic conflict between Rome and Carthage remains one of the most compelling stories of military history. The wars included such legendary events as the crossing of the Alps by Hannibal, and the Battle of Cannae. Terence Wise's fine text details the armies of both sides of the wars, including the many different allied troops employed by the Carthaginians; Numidians, Celts, Spanish and others who helped make...

Contrary to popular belief, the capture of India was not accomplished by the British Army, but by the private armies of the East India Company, which grew in size to become larger than that of any European sovereign state. This is the history of its army, examining the many conflicts they fought, their equipment and training, with its regiments of horse, foot and guns, which rivalled those of most European powers. The development of their uniforms, which combined traditional Indian and British...

German Peasant's War 1524-26 by Osprey PublishingItem Number: OSPMAA384In the 1520s, a brief but savage war broke out in Germany when various insurgent groups rose to overthrow the power structure. The movement took as its emblem a peasant's shoe and the collective title of 'Bundschuh', and this became known as the Peasants' War - although the rebel armies actually included as many townsmen, miners, disaffected knights and mercenary soldiers as rural peasants. The risings involved large armies...

This is a comprehensive guide to the armies that fought a devastating and decisive conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean between the two World Wars of the 20th century. From the initial Greek invasion, designed to "liberate" the 100,000 ethnic Greeks that lived in Western Turkey and had done for centuries, to Mustafa Kemal Atat-rk's incredibly efficient formation of a national government and a regular army, this was a war that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Mediterranean to this day....