Helion & Company has published the first in a two-volume study of Japan’s 1942 offensive in the Indian Ocean, offering a wealth of reference for Pacific Theatre modellers.
Japan’s efforts to dominate the Indian Ocean in World War Two are often ignored by authors. However, it was a crucial part of the naval/air war and fascinating for any Pacific Theatre enthusiast. For modellers, it offers the chance to look further than the obvious subject of Pearl Harbor. Here, Helion & Co’s book The Darkest Hour Volume 1 delivers in spades for anyone seeking modelling inspiration. It’s especially useful for anyone who builds across the genres, with dovetailing narrative on both the vessels involved and the associated aviation assets – on both Japanese and Allied sides.
This 84-page softback, via a mix of well-research text, data tables, revealing period photos and colour artwork, tells the full story on the opening moves from this campaign, which makes an engaging modelling theme that incorporates many examples of ships and aircraft. Technical specifications for sea-going vessels and flying machines are provided; particularly useful features included the colour drawings of Japanese aircraft carrier deck markings. Aircraft types aff…