Synopses & Reviews
The name Harley-Davidson is synonymous with the US motorcycle industry. It is now, after more than a century of operation, one of only two US-based manufacturers to survive. Although the company's origins are older, 1903 is generally regarded as the year when the company's first motorcycle was produced. Three years later, the company's first factory was opened. By 1917, and the US entry into World War 1, Harley-Davidson had been making motorcycles for more than a decade and, during the USA's relatively brief involvement in that conflict, no fewer than 20,000 motorcycles were supplied to the military helping the company to become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by 1920. Surviving the Great Depression, Harley-Davidson was to become one of the prime suppliers of equipment again when hostilities resumed, producing no fewer than 90,000 motorcycles for US and Canadian forces during World War 2 with a further 30,000 going to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program.
In Military Harley-Davidson, Pat Ware explores the Harley-Davidson motorcycle in military service from the earliest days onwards. Providing initially an overview of the company and its history from 1903, the bulk of the book concentrates on the range of models produced by the company and how they were exploited for military use. Whilst the book concentrates primarily on those motorcycles produced for use by the Allies in World War 2, the continuing military role of the Harley-Davidson in other theaters postwar is also covered. Alongside the narrative and a fascinating selection of images, the book also includes a full technical specification for each of the models discussed.
The Harley-Davidson is one of the great names in the history of motorcycles with a fan-base that extends worldwide. The role of the company in the provision of military hardware is a less well known but fascinating part of the history of the company and its products. This book will be of interest to Harley-Davidson fans and owners and all motor cycle enthusiasts, military historians, wargamers and preservationists.
REVIEWS
Far and above the best book on the Harley that I have found. Definitely one to add to the library.Armorama.com, 04/08
Synopsis
The Messerschmitt Bf 110 entered war service on 1st September 1939 with the 'C-1' variant. By the end of 1940, by which time the type had fought in the Polish campaign, the various campaign on the European mainland, and the Battle of Britain, it had gone though various changes and roles, and had developed as far as the 'E' variant. Authors John Vasco and Fernando Estanislau have already done comprehensive work on the many variants of the Bf 110 prior to undertaking this new project, and have brought their extensive knowledge of the aircraft to bear on producing this work on the 'C', 'D' and 'E' variants.The book shows the changes within each variant, starting with a lead-in detailing the changes from the pre-war 'B' variant to the 'C'.The many sub-variants of the 'C' are detailed, and the 'D' variant covers the 'Dackelbauch' long range fighter version and the 'D-3' variant which sought to provide extra range by way of auxiliary fuel tanks under the wings rather than the cumbersome 'Dackelbauch'. The 'E' shows the move to the provision of heating in the cockpit for the crew, as well as the 'E' reconnaissance version and the rarely seen Bf 110 Cs and Es that were converted for duties towing the large Luftwaffe gliders. As well as using well-known photographs to illustrate the many facets of the design and development of the aircraft, the authors have also been able to call upon many previously unpublished photographs. Fernando Estanislau's excellent artwork considerably enhances the work. This book is a feast for the Luftwaffe enthusiast, and with the recent introduction of new Bf 110 plastic model kits, it is a 'must-have' for the aviation modeller seeking to identify the exact details of any sub-variant from the 'C' to the 'E'.