The Stuart light tanks were the first tanks taken into combat by US troops during WWII. Production of these vehicles can be broken into two categories: the early tanks powered by air-cooled radial engines, and late versions powered by twin V-8 engines. This volume explores the early, air-cooled vehicles, the M3, M3A1, and M3A3. Widely used both by the US Army and US Marines, as well as many Allied
The concept of a twin-engine fighter that could accompany bomber formations and effectively drive off defending fighters was the rationale behind the creation of the Messerschmitt Bf 110. Initial operations during 1939–40 seemed to justify its existence, but the generally weak level of aerial opposition bred a false sense of security among the aircrews that was thoroughly blunted during the Battle
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly nicknamed the "Warthog" due to its unusual and ungainly appearance, became the most effective close-air-support aircraft that has ever served for the US Air Force and Air National Guard. Designed around the GAU-8/A Avenger autocannon, the aircraft was a highly effective tank killer during Operation Desert Storm. The Warthog continues to serve, f
The North American P-51 Mustang remains one of the most famous and recognizable aircraft in the world to this day. Nimble and fast—qualities that led the Mustang to be used even today in air races—the aircraft was forged in battle. The early Mustangs, often referred to as “Razorback Mustangs,” were the first of the type to be built and helped stem the tide of Axis aggression in WWII. This, the fir
Among the iconic aircraft of World War II, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt not only was physically the biggest single-engine fighter, it also had an enormous impact on history. In terms of its combat effectiveness, P-47 fliers destroyed 7,067 hostile aircraft, with about half of those “kills” recorded during aerial combat. Thunderbolt pilots reported destroying 6,000 enemy tanks, 68,000 trucks, 86,0
Under the Lend-Lease agreement with the US during WWII, the Soviet Union received large quantities of war materiel, including many aircraft; the Bell P-39 Airacobra takes a special place among them. The P-39 was dismissed as hardly suitable for combat both by the US and England, who turned it over in large numbers to the USSR. Soviet pilots had different views, though, and achieved excellent resul
As part of its rise as a regional South American power, Chile chose to emulate the highly successful Prussian military system in the last decades of the 19th century. Prior conflicts and the prospect of war with Argentina, which came to a head in the early 1890s, can be seen as the pretext for Chile’s purchase of "Prussian" military equipment, including Mauser rifles and Krupp cannons. This book s
One of the most important shoe designers of the mid- to late twentieth century, Arsho Baghsarian spent more than four decades working behind the scenes for prestigious companies with men's names on the label, including Christian Dior, Andrew Geller, I. Miller, and Stuart Weitzman, as well as Shoe Biz. Her creative genius is illustrated in this photographic collection of full-page sketches, prototy
Volume 2 of SNES Omnibus is a fun and informative look at ALL the original Super Nintendo games released in the US starting with the letters N-Z. More than 375 games are featured, including such iconic titles as Star Fox, Super Mario Kart, Super Mario World, Super Metroid, Tetris Attack, and Zombies Ate My Neighbors. Each game, whether obscure or mainstream, is covered in exhaustive detail. In add
With the delicacy of a spider's web, the traditional, Amerindian dream catcher traps bad dreams in its weave and lets good dreams slide along its feathers to the sleeper. Dream catchers have become an essential item in decoration, but they remain highly symbolic. With this book, you can create 16 dream catchers, mobiles, wall hangings, and jewelry, from materials such as lace, ribbons, beads, orig
The best way to start in knifemaking is usually to make a fixed-blade knife, and this photo-rich guide with carefully detailed instructions offers a full tang knife and a hidden tang knife. Make each of these two projects by following the individual construction principles here, and learn all phases of the knifemaking process. A few simple tools and a suitable workplace are all you need; materials
The knife—a staple in every household and long considered one of mankind's most important tools. Despite our long history, in today's fast-paced world many no longer know how to recognize a good knife or the characteristics that define one.This book details the differences between types of knives, the characteristics a capable knife must have, the different locking systems for folding knives, and
Upholstery doesn't have to be intimidating! Expert Shelly Miller Leer, founder of HomeRoom and Upholstery Club and former writer and contributor for curbly.com, apartmenttherapy.com, and many other online crafting communities uses her trademark fresh, casual teaching style to empower you with the confidence and skills to get started right away. These five projects have been mindfully designed to h
Leather is a strong and versatile material, and indispensable when you’re working, hunting, or exploring outdoors. Hunter and outdoor professional Carsten Bothe offers the ultimate beginner’s guide for this useful hobby. These photo-rich, step-by-step instructions prove that anyone can learn the techniques of cutting, sewing, and finishing to make, or repair, your essential leather items. You’ll l
More than 530 beautifully photographed examples of jewelry and art-enamel work glow from the pages of this first comprehensive study of the work and aesthetic vision of the American Arts & Crafts movement. The lives and art of the era's top craftsmen—84 jewelers, enamelists, and metalsmiths—are explained with careful consideration to the contexts and influences that shaped them. The belief that be
The flight campaign for the American space shuttle began on April 12, 1981, with the launch of STS-1 from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and ended on July 21, 2011, with wheels stop of STS-135. During the 30 years and 135 missions in between, the program experienced triumphs and tragedies, amazed the world with its orbital exploits, and was frequently the subject of admiration, condemnation, p
Modern makers who have learned the basics of weaving can rejoice with this next-steps guide from Lindsey Campbell, the weaver behindthe popular blog and brand Hello Hydrangea. Her trademark style, which powers the popularity of her first book, Welcome to Weaving, helps you take your creativity and your enthusiasm to the next level of style. Learn ways to expand your weaving with 11 intermediate to
The age of the metrosexual is over. Dead and buried. In places as diverse as Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Richmond, Miami, and Charleston, modern American men are ushering in a new golden age of hirsute pursuits. Denouncing the baby-smooth standard that society has set, men from around the world are reembracing their face in its most natural state. A select group of these well-whiskered men and t
The climate is changing, and so must domestic architecture. Premium materials—brick, stone, wood—and timeless designused to be the key to building homes that would last for generations.But a warming planet, coupled with severe weather events, has changedthe equation and raised the stakes, sometimes literally. Aimed at homeowners, architects, and builders, this book presents sixteen innovative home
People have been under the spell of the mysterious and elegant nature of the cat for thousands of years. They are one of our oldest animal companions and have been much-loved family members in households around the globe for generations. But have you ever felt that despite your good intentions and love, there are some things about your cat you don't quite understand? Do you sometimes feel like it