Red Ball Express: Supply Line from the D-Day Beaches (Us Army Transport) [Hardcover]

Pat Ware (Author)

Book Description

Series: Us Army Transport | Publication Date: June 11, 2009

The latest title in our very successful railway modelling series tackles two areas which are fundamental to the hobby. There is little more basic in terms of railway modelling than the accurate replication of track formations and the employment of appropriate signalling arrangements which the track layout dictates. Yet it is in these very areas that many layouts fall flat. Whilst this may be excusable in the case of modellers new to the hobby, it is unforgivable for those constructing layouts for exhibition purposes. Over many years of involvement in the model railway hobby, Bob Essery has seen countless layouts in operation, some good, some indifferent and some downright appalling. As a regular judge on the exhibition circuit, he is better placed than most to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different layouts. Drawing upon this experience, as well as his own first hand knowledge of railway operation, drawn not just from a lifetime of researching aspects of railway history and operation, but from the practical experience he gained from his time on the footplate as a fireman for British Railways, few are better placed to write authoritatively on these subjects. In Railway Signalling and Track Plans, Bob Essery provides a detailed analysis of the inter-relationship of track, signalling and operation. Using a wide range of examples from the prototype, he explains how this approach can help to make a model railway much more realistic. As the technology available to model railway enthusiasts, in particular Digital Command Control, becomes more sophisticated, so the need for ever more accurate track plans and signalling becomes all the more important. With the publication of this book, modellers can no longer make the excuse that this sort of information is not widely available.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing (June 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0711031924
• ISBN-13: 978-0711031920
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #167,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book with a lot of good pictures, February 16, 2009

By 

Peter Mills (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Red Ball Express: Supply Line from the D-Day Beaches (Us Army Transport) (Hardcover)

I ordered this book after speaking with my Grandfather who was involved in the Red Ball Express. Having this book and reading through it helped a lot after listening to his stories. There are a large number of black and white photographs depicting dfferent aspects of the operation. There are also color photos that are more detailed and show reenactments and restored vehicles. There is info on a range of topics from the racial makeup (mostly African-American), to the maintenance and repair problems (one being flat tires caused by ration cans in the roadway!)

My only complaint is that some of the information seems to be repeated a few times in the book in different places. Also, the timeline was hard for me to follow because it is presented several times in great detail and not always consistent in order from start to finish.

I would recommend this book as it has a lot of detail on a fascinating, yet understated end extremely vital operation of World War II.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Backbone of the material superiority of the Allied Force, February 3, 2008

By 

Igors Karpovs (LA, Latvia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Red Ball Express: Supply Line from the D-Day Beaches (Us Army Transport) (Hardcover)

"Stay on the Ball. Keep'em rolling!" These worlds are familiar for those who dealt with a subject of supply Allied force by various materials during their advance across France and North-West Europe. This new book from Ian Allan Publishing tells us a story about daily problems, failures, titanic pressure. The every aspect of the "Red Ball" supply line is covered, even the vehicle types are examined. And this is the main drawback of the work. Pat Ware devoted too much place to vehicle specifications and descriptions of types. Probably, the author has considered it as the best variant to "fill the gap". As for me, the variant with the battle orders of supply units would be the best.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars VT2010a, October 1, 2010

By 

D. Ballas "VT guy" (Burlington VT) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Red Ball Express: Supply Line from the D-Day Beaches (Us Army Transport) (Hardcover)

Any military history buff will recognize the term "Red Ball Express" of WWII in Europe. What I learned that was a surprise to me is that there were actually several "expedited" supply actions. This book was an interesting read with good pictures of the various trucks and trailers. I would have liked to have seen a little better route map details, and more detail on what would make up the composition of a truck load that drove the typical 2X+ overweight loading. Still, a very enjoyable book that adds to ones knowledge base.