Book Reviews, September 1945, September 1945

“Model Race Cars,” by D. A. Russell and D. B. M. Wright. The Drysdale Press, Ltd., 3s.

This book, which is extremely well illustrated and produced on high-quality paper, is the first published in this country devoted to petrol-driven model racing cars. Notes on tyres, suspension and spring testing, design, starting the engine, building a miniature accumulator and estimating speed are included, and there are descriptions of the first ten cars built in this country, and detailed descriptions of Russell’s Auto-Union; Buck’s “No, 2”; Galeota’s beginner’s model; the Curwen-Special; Cruickshank’s record-breaking M.G.; Russell’s S.S. 100; and the Wright-Special. So many excellent photographs are included that prospective builders of model cars cannot fail to glean useful information about constructional methods. Our only criticism is that, apart from the Auto-Union, S.S., M.G. and one of Buck’s free-lance designs, these models do not quite resemble the real thing to motoring enthusiasts’ eyes. And why model race cars? Plans giving detailed information for building seven of these models are available from the publishers at 82, Highgate West Hill, London, N.6. Of these, those for the Auto-Union and M.G. cost 15s. 6d, each, and that for the S.S., 18s. 6d. All parts are shown full size on these plans, and are post-free. Model car racing should benefit a great deal from the availability of this useful information.

Air Review (bi-rnonthly). Air Review, Ltd., as.

This revived magazine brings forth the immediate comment, “Mr. Russell has done it again!” It is magnificently produced, contains most absorbing aviation articles and photographs, both up-to-the-minute and of intense interest to students of history, while it is liberally besprinkled with cartoons, historic photographs, and g.a. drawings from the famous Aero Modeller Plans Service, Ltd. If you want a high-class aviation magazine, this is it.

Anthony Phelps, whose outspoken articles have pleased Motor Sport readers, is shortly publishing his A.T.A. reminiscences, under the title of “I Couldn’t Care Less,” a book which should be a fitting companion to the divers reminiscences of R.A.F. pilots published since the outbreak of war.