The Battleship HMS Warspite (TopDrawings) Paperback – April 19, 2014

This book is probably intended for extremely precise scale modelers. Otherwise, the outlines of individual features, decks, gun directors, ventilators and so on, is not terribly revealing. The book also lacks the computer images that make the other Kagero offerings better. While I was a little disappointed by the "Top Drawings" format and executions, this would be invaluable for those who model ships.

Item delivered on time, was as described

I have to say that I am so very impressed with this book. For those who are aware of the "Anatomy of the ship" books, essentially what you get here is a scaled down version that provides roughly 50% of the information provided in the "Anatomy" books.These deal with mainly the appearance of the ships, the positions of equipment, radar and hull design. It is quite clever in it's simplicity as it breaks the ship up into sections then shows you four views of the said section, Port, Starboard, Bow and Stern views and calls out the various parts of the object. Areas covered are total with the hull, guns, superstructures, positions of the AA guns, Pom Poms and even the life rafts being shown.There is some detail on the internal structure of the ship in question found in the large format fold out posters contained inside, but mostly these fold outs give pictorial information in colour diagrams for painting reference and deck layouts of the major stages of the ships life. All of the major stages of refit are shown in the first few pages of the book in more detail so you can see a development of the said ship. There are good drawings of the masts and rigging layout for those who wish to go that little bit further with their kits.The best aspect of these books are the fact that they keep it to a level perfect for model building reference and does not get too overly technical. I have found it invaluable in mistake spotting with Airfix 1:600 Warspite and choosing the proper colour scheme for the proper stage of the ship and I will almost certainly use it with my 1:350 scale Academy ship too.Well recommended.

This book covers all the major developments in the vessel's history, from the "as launched" appearance through to the 1943 additions to the AAA fit, both as "lines drawings" for overall appearance and details, and colour renditions of the side profiles of the main camouflage schemes used.It would be helpful if you wanted to revert the Academy, Airfix or Trumpeter 1942 or '43 versions to a WW1 version, but there are a couple of issues for the model maker. There's no mention, not even a plain listing, of kits of the vessel and my knowledge plus a quick Amazon search came up with 9 kits, or of detail sets for the ship (I might like veneer main decks and/or more photo-etched than my kit contains; also turned brass gun barrels and maybe masts are popular additions). Similarly, there is no mention of Methuen, BS or FS595a (technically wrong for a UK subject, but you can usually get a match) for the paints used.

I have a King George the 5th version as well as this and they are great books. Very detailed and informative with good labled diagrams and added sheets that unfold with large pictures. Shows the ship at verious dates both interior and exterior.

This series is a welcome addition to information on these warships. Accurate model makers drawings are hard to come by at a reasonable price so these can provide the constructor with what they need. Along with other publications providing information on the various camouflage schemes the model maker can build good replicas of of warships in World War II.

Can’t comment on the contents but great comms from my seller & book in perfect nick