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For years now, I have collected Squadron signal books on naval subjects including titles on naval aircraft and have up until now generally found them to be well researched and full of valuable information.
However, today I received the 'TBD Devastator in Action' by Al Adcock and I am stunned at the errors it contains.
On flicking through the photos before reading the text, I immediately noticed a 'howler' on page 38 where a caption claims to show a TBD-1 launching from USS Charger and states that 'The Charger operated from Lake Michigan'!!!!!
I decided that this was a simple error and that the author had meant USS Sable or USS Wolverine which were converted side wheelers and which did indeed operate on the Great lakes as training carriers. BUT I then turned to reading the text and on page 17 read that 'USS Long Island and USS Charger (were)converted side wheel passenger steamers in the Great Lakes'!!!!!
Also, on the same page, it also states that the USS Rigel (AR-11) (a repair ship with no flight deck!) also operated the TBD-1.
I have not finished reading the usual meagre text and and have discovered these and other errors (the TBD's folding wings 'touched above the canopy when closed' for instance) and I just wonder what similar disasters others have found in the books they use for research and reference.
I will try not to let this turn me against Squadron Signal but I am perplexed at how they could produce this nonsense.
Regards
Gerry McGinty
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*** The foregoing does not represent endorsement or criticism of the above review, which represents the personal opinion of Gerry McGinty, and not necessarily that of The Ship Model Forum or Modelwarships.com.
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