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Post by corsair67 on Aug 3, 2011 23:04:01 GMT 12
I thought I would share some of my thoughts on Don Simms and Nick Lee Frampton's recently published book "Skyhawks - The History of the RNZAF Skyhawk". I received my copy about two weeks ago, and I have to say I have not been disappointed at all in the amount of effort and research that has gone into the production of this wonderful book. It really is a fitting record to the years of faithful service that the Skyhawk provided not only to the RNZAF, but the people of New Zealand as well. From what I have read of it so far, the authors seem to have struck an excellent balance between the history of the aircraft in general, and the technical side of it's service and operation too - which in my opinion makes it a book that will appeal to not only those who served on the aircraft during it's 31+ years of service with the RNZAF, but to the general public too. The overall presentation of the book is very good, and it looks just as good on the coffee table, as it does in the bookcase - my partner wants it kept in the bookcase (out of the way!), while I'm telling her it should be on the coffee table for all to see and enjoy!!!! ;D As to the photographs that are featured in the book, again there is a good balance between photographs taken from official sources (e.g. RNZAF, RAAF and US DoD), and photos taken by pilots, other personnel, and the general public. I was even amused to see that there's an image of a Tui "Yeah Right" 'ad' that I put together a few years ago for this forum during the on again, off again sale of the Skyhawks and Macchis! In conclusion, I think this book is well worth the purchase price, and I am giving it an unconditional recommendation to all of my friends, as the definitive history of the Skyhawk in RNZAF service. Congratulations to Don and Nick for all the hard work they have put into this book over the years, and to Willson Scott Publishers for supporting the project and seeing it come together in the end through somewhat trying circumstances over the past 10 months or so. If anyone else would like to share their views as well, please feel free to add to this thread, as I am interested to hear what others think of the book as well.
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Post by oggie2620 on Aug 5, 2011 0:23:22 GMT 12
I wasnt disappointed either when it arrived. I havent had much time to do more than dip into it yet but it seems very comprensive and I shall enjoy reading it very much. Worth getting it imported to the UK. Will have to take it back to NZ though to get Don to sign it (and Glen because hes got so many photos in it....LOL
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Post by corsair67 on Aug 7, 2011 15:58:28 GMT 12
Okay, I've noticed something that only real planespotters would notice in the text - the F/A-18 Hornet is referred to as the F-18 Hornet!
Don, go and stand in the corner and face the wall! ;D
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Post by skyhawkdon on Aug 7, 2011 20:56:38 GMT 12
Thanks guys. Seriously if you do notice any typos or errors let me know so they can be corrected in a future print run.
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Post by mumbles on Aug 8, 2011 17:44:35 GMT 12
Thanks guys. Seriously if you do notice any typos or errors let me know so they can be corrected in a future print run. I picked up a few typos as well, but have just lent my copy to my dad to read, so can't detail them at the moment! It was minor stuff, nothing serious.
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Post by mcmaster on Aug 9, 2011 11:52:51 GMT 12
My copy arrived yesterday and after quick flick thru (which went on for good hour) i can only pass on to Don and co big thanks for such a well thought and comprehensive work. Many of the images ive never seen. Compared to books done for retired RAAF aircraft has a more human feel to it, probably because of the nature of the disbandment. That is not to say the technical side is not well covered too! The human element is well described particulary around the links formed between the Nowra community and 2 sqn. The book is a good size, I found that looking at the middle pages i was worried about opening it right up in case it split, but mine seems bound ok.
Overall much more reading to do, but again, well done guys, thanks for a welcome addition to the bookshelf!
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Post by Chris F on Aug 9, 2011 16:20:36 GMT 12
I must say this is a fantastic book,well written,fantastic pictures and tells the history of a great aircraft and shows how contray to "others" that these aircraft and their pilots were very capable machines of modern day war.
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Post by Officer Crabtree on Aug 9, 2011 20:16:32 GMT 12
I am saving for a copy, they are well stocked in Page and Blackmores. It looks fantastic, anyone sent one to Helen yet?
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 10, 2011 9:18:01 GMT 12
She can afford her own.
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Post by fwx on Aug 20, 2011 16:39:41 GMT 12
About half-way through and loving it! Thanks Don!
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Post by skyhawkdon on Oct 6, 2011 19:21:16 GMT 12
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Post by skyhawkdon on Nov 3, 2011 20:53:10 GMT 12
Well the first print run (1000 copies) has sold out! An outstanding result for just 4 months on the market (so I'm told by the publisher and others in the aviation writing business). Another 500 are being printed as we speak.
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Post by jonesy on Nov 3, 2011 20:57:44 GMT 12
Well done Don! Hey I didnt see a copy at Classic Flyers the other day...have they been stocking it?
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Post by adzze on Nov 3, 2011 21:10:09 GMT 12
Well done Don.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 3, 2011 21:48:33 GMT 12
That's fantastic Don. Well done mate.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Nov 4, 2011 6:45:58 GMT 12
Well done Don! Hey I didnt see a copy at Classic Flyers the other day...have they been stocking it? I'm not sure but if they want to they should contact the publisher.
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Post by fyl on Nov 4, 2011 11:12:43 GMT 12
That's great news, Don...well done...
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Post by kiwi on Dec 27, 2011 8:14:37 GMT 12
I got mine for Christmas , looks great , including a couple of pictures of my young fella , which was a nice added extra surprise .
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Post by smithy on Aug 21, 2013 15:55:23 GMT 12
2 years late, but as they say better late than never. Literally just got my copy which I bought direct from the publishers and although I've only had a quick peek through (in the office at the mo) it looks absolutely brilliant. Very big well done to Don and Nick! I have the feeling that my wife isn't going to get much sense out of me this evening
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Post by skyhawkdon on Aug 22, 2013 12:40:59 GMT 12
Nice to know it is still being enjoyed 2 years after first being published. I would dearly love to bring the final chapter up to date with the aircraft disposal details. I'm currently working on an article for Pacific Wings on this.
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