Currently, Wellington suburban train services are operated by Matangi electric multiple-units, all virtually visibly identical. But as recently as 2011 there was a wide variety of electric units in use, as well as one set of locomotive-hauled carriages, providing a much more colourful and varied operating fleet, including colour schemes of an earlier era. This was not by deliberate planning: it was rather that a lack of timely decisions on new stock had led to hurried re-introduction of previously withdrawn multiple-units and locomotives. This book tells the story of this era, with an emphasis on the variety of equipment and liveries that could be seen up until 2012. The story is lavishly illustrated with photographs illustrating the visual diversity within this period.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 64

Dimensions: 210 x 145 mm

Publication Date: 21-09-2020

Founded in 1953, the US Air Force Thunderbirds flying-demonstration team has performed in air shows in the United States and around the world. The team is based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where it has been honing its skills since 1956. This book details the origins and early formation of the team, as well as describing the different model aircraft that the team has flown during its nearly 70-year history-F-84 Thunderjet and Thunderstreak, F-100C Super Sabre, F-105B Thunderchief, F-4E Phantom II, and T-38A Talon, to the present-day F-16A Fighting Falcon-mirroring the development of US Air Force fighter aircraft during this time. The book also presents graphic and photographic descriptions of some of the team's signature maneuvers that are performed during a Thunderbirds air show, in stunning imagery.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

Though it barely missed being caught and destroyed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the US Navy's USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft carrier took part in every major action of the Pacific War, from the Doolittle Raid to the battles of Midway, Santa Cruz, and Guadalcanal to the Philippine Sea and Leyte. Affectionately known as the "Big E," as well as as the "fightingest ship in the Navy," the Enterprise racked up one of the most impressive tallies of damage to the enemy of any Allied warship during WWII. This book explores Enterprise's design and construction, wartime activities, and ultimate postwar decommissioning and scrapping through carefully researched photos, many of which have never before been published. The clarity and large size of many of the photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the deck of this historic warship throughout its famed history.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has been in continuous production for over six decades, longer than any other military aircraft in the world, and no end of production is yet in sight. The Hercules has been a part of US combat operations since Vietnam, and the airframe, which began life as a simple transport, has been adapted to a variety of roles, including gunship, electronic warfare, refueling, and rescue. This book chronicles the development and use of the Hercules from concept to combat. Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples, these iconic aircraft are explored, and their history explained.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

This book charts the development and service history of the Antonov design bureau's heavy transport aircraft. In the late 1950s, the Antonov design bureau began developing the An-22 heavy military transport, intended to carry 50 tons. Powered by four 15,000 hp turboprops, it was the world's heaviest transport when it first flew in February 1965. The four-turbofan An-124 was again the world's most capable airlifter when it emerged in 1982, with a payload of 120 tons. It proved its worth in military and humanitarian operations and earned acclaim as a commercial freighter after 1991 for carrying heavy and outsized items. The unique six-engined An-225 "Mriya" was created for carrying the Buran space shuttle. Despite the demise of the Buran program, the aircraft found use on the heavy/outsized cargo transportation market. It is illustrated by a wealth of new photos and color artwork, as well as line drawings.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 216 x 279 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

The largest and most advanced US aircraft to see combat in WWII, the B-29 Superfortress was also the most expensive weapons system of the war, even exceeding the cost of developing the atomic bomb. Not surprisingly, the aircraft remained a part of the US arsenal in the following years and again saw combat in Korea. The evolution of the B-29 into the B-50 is covered in this book-the second of two volumes-as is the B-50's part as an early nuclear deterrent. Not only is the production of these aircraft illustrated, so are the host of adaptations, from mother ship to X-planes to weather and refueling aircraft. This volume chronicles the design, development, and deployment of these later versions through photos gathered from around the world.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 28-11-2020

The P-8A Poseidon, a variant of the Boeing 737 series of airliner, takes over the role of antisubmarine warfare from the P-3 Orion, itself a derivative of an airliner, the Lockheed Electra. The P-8A brings new capabilities, endurance, and crew enhancements to the art form of maritime patrol, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Poseidon also brings with it weapons such as antiship missiles, mines, torpedoes, and bombs. It can lay down sonobuoys to detect, track, and attack submarines that are quieter, deeper diving, and more stealthy than ever before. The ability to perform search and rescue, assist stranded victims of an incident at sea, and coordinate rescue efforts is unparalleled. The P-8A can connect to tactical networks to relay data it collects, or it can receive information and play a part in a larger operation involving several platforms, from surface ships to aircraft and ground facilities.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 128

Dimensions: 230 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 01-03-2020

"Nothing stirs my soul more than watching a 100-year-old classic yacht roll over a wave, sails flared, white water crashing off her bow, crew attentive. Watching these beauties race around a course is truly spectacular." -Michael Kahn. Sailboats features over 75 photographs of stunning sailing images from world-renowned black-and-white photographer Michael Kahn. These warmly toned, classic yet dynamic sailing photographs feature regattas in Antigua, France, England, and more. Working in traditional black-and-white film, Michael Kahn produces luminous silver gelatin prints in his darkroom, which allow the majestic elegance of these sailing vessels to radiate from the page. Whether you are a traditional film photographer or an avid sailor or simply love the exquisite beauty of the ocean, you will cherish these fine prints and elegant book.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 205 x 205 mm

Publication Date: 17-04-2020

In early 1928, during a time of pioneering, long-distance flights, two New Zealand pilots set off from Australia on the first attempted aerial crossing of the wild Tasman Sea. Amid fervent hope, government interference, a spirit of patriotism, wide newspaper coverage and family pride, John ‘Scotty’ Moncrieff and George Hood, along with their non-flying partner Ivan Kight, dreamed of closer British Empire ties, a safer New Zealand and a shot at aviation glory. The disappearance of their aircraft Aotearoa remains one of Australasia’s great flying mysteries. Bill Conroy has researched this fascinating and tragic story for more than three decades. In the first full-length examination of Moncrieff and Hood’s flight, he recounts the conception, planning, execution and aftermath of the project which enthralled both sides of the Tasman.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 22-02-2019

In 2000 aircraft restorer Guy Black of Aero Vintage located the hulks of at least two Airco DH9 bombers in a remote part of India - hidden away in what had been a Maharaja's elephant stable at his palace in Bikaner, Rajasthan. They were truly remarkable finds, and extremely rare examples of a near-extinct and important WWI aircraft type - none of which had survived in Britain. Recognising their importance to the UK's aviation heritage, and excited by the challenge of restoration, Guy set about negotiating their purchase and returning them back to England. Here the whole intriguing story is told - fully illustrated step-by-step - from discovery to recovery, through to research, restoration, re-construction and first flight, all in fascinating, meticulous detail. Also covered is the account of the restoration of the first DH9 to be completed, now housed as a non-flying exhibit at the IWM Duxford.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 23-09-2019