Victory Films

Army Air Forces Combat Weekly Digests 26-30- World War II DVD

Product # USAAF Weekly Digest 26-30 from Wade Meyer Studios

Product Article by Floyd S. Werner, Jr. on May 22 2013

 

 

Watching Victory Films is like taking a time machine back in time to 1943-44.  Back before the internet and television the only way to get the news was from the radio, newspaper or at the movie theaters with the newsreels.  Every week the audience would be treated to the best propaganda that the government could put out.  Step back in time with me and I’ll let you know what you’ll see in the latest release from Victory Films. 

Right off the bat you are treated to some airfield constructions and in that segment is the Corsair getting an engine change.  There are other things such as survival gear.  The 80th FG with its P-40 and skulls is also a highlight.  

German interrogation is followed by the Casino bombing.  The Red Tails of the 99th are interviewed.  It is nice to see the real Tuskegee Airman.  C-47s and paratroopers are in the next segment.  

A B-17G is shown belly landing and I have to say it is as sweet a landing as can be.  Certainly the best belly landing I’ve ever seen.  It is interesting to note that there are no codes on the fuselage and tail. 

A B-17 raid is always a part and parcel of the newsreels.  This one is quite interesting as you watch a B-17 break off.  A B-17 is seen after it lands with lots of battle damage.  The nose, wing and tail have significant damage that offer the modeler a beautiful canvas.  During the mission you are treated to a beautiful formation shot through the nose of the bomber.  

The 9th Air Force at Easter is the next part.  The B-26s do a flyby in the shape of a cross.  I was struck by the thought that they couldn’t do that today.  

80th FG P-40s complete with the skulls are shown using the tractor from the Monogram B-24 kit but modified with a boom to carry bombs.  For those that have been in the Army the tent heaters for a GP medium are a lifesaver.  Who would have ever thought that they were designed by GIs in Italy in WWII.  

More P-40s are shown escorting B-25s to bomb Japanese airfields.  Some of the P-40s are equipped with bazookas.  The B-25s are armed with 75mm cannon.  Dirty Dora and a bunch of other nose art B-25s are shown doing what they do best, low level strafing. 

Some infantry action is shown on Pelilu with Shermans and lots of dead.  

Winston Churchill is treated to an airborne demo with Ike looking on.  The amount of tangled chutes is pretty interesting.  

The CBI Air Evacuation with a C-47 Air Ambulance has some interesting markings.  Something I’ve never seen the aircraft has a Red Cross in seven positions.  It is well worn and an excellent reference for the modeler.  An L4 Cub with owl nose art is interesting. 

The German SD-2 bomb is explained.  This butterfly bomblet is interesting. 

More Casino bombing B-26s and B-25s.  You get to see a P-40s pilot Point of View.  A-20s are shown with some unique markings and views.  When Mt. Vesuvius erupts, some P-40s fly by the ash clouds.  Unfortunately, the ash burns the airfield with burnt control surfaces, melted glass and covered in dust.  A B-25 with shark mouth is seen. 

Some more B-17s are seen taxing.  Two B-17s involved in a midair collision are shown after they land with the tail surface chewed up and some interesting Yankee Stadium markings.  Seems that aircraft flew into Yankee Stadium prior to shipping out overseas.  

Again a Point of View dive bombing by P-40s in Italy is seen.  A B-26 briefing and bomb run.  It is interesting how much the camo varies.  

Back over to the Pacific, B-24s are escorted by Corsairs.  I thought immediately of an episode of “Baa Baa Blacksheep”.  The B-24 “Mary Marie” is shown to great effect. 

A New Zealand Catalina is shown doing the Dumbo Rescue with Corsair escort.  There are some good interior shots that will provide the modeler with some interesting tidbits. 

A shanty town is made by ground crews from glider crates.  They are made into houses and other items showing the soldiers ingenuity.  

Fighter gun camera shows why you shouldn’t be flying a Me-110 once the escorts were able to make it into Germany.  One guy is so close you can actually see the crew.  The fighter may actually hit the 110 he is that close.  

Gun camera from the Philippines is exciting because it is in color.  There is a beautiful shot of a Tony being shot down.  Also there is a Judy that is flying upside down which for me was peculiar.  

As you can see there is something for everyone in here.  I enjoyed the entire DVD and like the rest of the Victory Films series there is something unique and interesting that are sure to inspire the modeler.  

Highly recommended 

Thanks to Victory Films for the review copy.  You can obtain your copy of this and all the other DVDs from Wade Meyers Studio at http://wademeyersart.tripod.com/id69.html .  

Floyd S. Werner, Jr. IPMS #26266

      

Photos and text © by Floyd S. Werner, Jr. IPMS #  26266