Books published by FONTHILL MEDIA LTD

This is the story of the design and builds of the first Pasco's Motor Launch boat to be built since the turn of the new millennium. It closely follows the birth of the boat in every aspect: from the plans and traditional half-model boat, to the installation of the engine and prop shaft, to the initialising of the fibreglass replica production line.

The untold story of the Royal Navy's experimental flying stations created in the First World War to perfect the aeroplane as a weapon of war. In establishing a number of advanced experimental units, the envelope of flight was pushed to the extreme, resulting in futuristic weapons, advanced aircraft and new approaches to gaining aerial victory.

A modern aircraft is a jigsaw of software-controlled sub-systems designed to excel in air combat. What the operational pilot wants, what the designer can produce, what the Company can deliver within the price, and when it can be delivered are often in conflict. It is the operational tester who decides whether the aircraft performs as promised.

In 1965 West Ham United were the first side made up entirely of English players to win a major European trophy. This was the zenith of their European history, but other exciting campaigns were to come. These adventures were to be replicated, but without the pioneering magic the Hammers engendered; they nearly reached the sky, others just followed.

The author recalls his experiences as a teenage locospotter, following this hobby at a time when British Rail was entering a period of immense change. We look at the railways in action, visiting locomotive sheds and works in the period where diesel was beginning to oust steam. This book is illustrated with photographs from his own collection.

Ethiopia (1935-6), Spain (1936-9), China (1937 onwards), Mongolia (1939), Finland (1939-40) France (1939-40) were the testing grounds for the aerial fighter tactics of World War Two and even today. In a subject rarely looked at in depth the author explores the lessons learnt, the means by which information was collected and subsequently used.

As interpreter for Adolf Hitler during the key pre-war moments, such as the Munich Agreement, the British Declaration of War and the surrender of France, Schmidt was well placed to record his impressions of events from 1935 to 1945. His memoirs provide an important contribution to our knowledge of important meetings before and during the War.

This book covers the Lavochkin fighters of the Second World War, from the original I-301 prototype, first flown in 1940, to the La-7 fighter of 1944. The book describes in detail the history and design of the three main variants of these Lavochkin fighters: the inline engined LaGG-3, the radial engined La-5, and the radial engined La-7.

An in-depth look at the making of the classic puppet and live action series produced by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson that thrilled audiences worldwide in the 60s and 70s. Thunderbirds, UFO, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons and Space: 1999, among many others, are examined to show just why these much-loved shows remain so iconic in the 21st century.

The story of the early years of Bomber Command and the aircraft they flew from 1939 to 1942, including Blenheims, Hampdens, Wellingtons, Whitleys, and Battles. These aircraft were involved in campaigns in France, Norway, Germany, Greece, Africa, and the Middle East, where they were often outmatched, but relentless in their missions.

The definitive book, illustrated throughout with previously unpublished photographs. The Vampire was the second of the RAF's jet fighters to enter service. It began life as an interceptor but was soon re-tasked in the day fighter/ground attack roles with the 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany 1948-54 and with the RAF's Middle & Far East forces.

This book is a photographic journey across the historic railway network that serves the diverse area of North-Western England. It chronicles many of the changes since the 1970s, including scenes, routes, and rolling stock that have altered beyond recognition, and illustrates how the railway has adapted to the challenges of the twenty-first century.

This detailed yet accessible battlefield guide takes the reader on a journey across the Oderfront battlefield as it is today. Eye witness accounts and the author's intimate knowledge of the terrain combine to provide the essential guide for anyone seeking to further understand the Wehrmacht's last desperate defensive battles before Berlin.

Leicestershire and Rutland's position astride some of England's major routes made them the scene of decisive battles, skirmishes and sieges, all of which have left their marks on the landscape. This book covers defensive sites, ranging from castles to missile bases, and places them in their social, political, historical, and military contexts.

Jowett cars were built in Bradford, Yorkshire, from 1910-1954. This book details all models built by the company during the 1930s; a difficult time, with the depression looming, but Jowett Cars survived when many other manufacturers failed. This book contains period articles and illustrations, plus colour pictures of today's survivors.

The biography of one of West Ham United's greatest ever players and the history of the club during his time in claret and blue. During those dozen years, Len Goulden became an England star. In May 1938, he scored the final goal in the defeat of Germany; the game became infamous due to players being obliged to give a Nazi salute prior to kick off.

This book is a detailed insight into the Thor weapon system. Diagrams and previously unseen photography support full descriptions of the missile, its UK bases and ground equipment. Simple explanations of gyroscopes and ballistics aid an understanding of missile navigation, whilst the launch countdown is presented in easily followed flow charts.

The sole quintuple spy of the Second World War he was the only spy the Soviet Union shared with the British who codenamed him Silver. He fooled the Nazis into paying him GBP2.5 m. They also gave him a transmitter which he used to broadcast false military information directly to Abwehr headquarters in Berlin. The Germans awarded him the Iron Cross.

Ocean-going U-boats, each one not much longer than four European articulated trucks with up to 60 men inside them, sailed the far-off seas to reap havoc in inhospitable waters. The book is based on previously unpublished documents from the German U-boat Museum, many of them written during or shortly after the war by men who survived the conflict.

`Belfast Transport' is the story of public transport in the city from the early horse buses of the late nineteenth century to the modern Metro buses of the early twenty-first century. Mainly through pictures, it tells the story of the services which evolved and the accompanying captions illustrate not only the vehicles but their context.

This is the first comprehensive account of aerial operations over the Aegean 1943-44. Original research with extracts from official operations and published memoirs. Includes extracts from aircrew combat reports and accounts.

This explores the development of the jet fighter from the first-generation Meteor and Vampire which entered service with the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. Each type is examined, looking at how the design was created and how this translated into an operational aircraft. Other types explored are the Hunter, Lightning, Phantom, Javelin and Tornado F2/3.

Umberto Nobile was an airship designer and pilot who became an Arctic explorer. In 1926 he flew the airship 'Norge' from Rome to Teller in Alaska, by way of the North Pole. He returned to the Arctic in 1928 with the airship 'Italia' and disappeared on 25 May the same year. This is the story of the 'Italia', put into the context of the airship age.

Leuchars was one of the oldest airfields in the UK, its links with military aviation go back to 1911. Following the outbreak of war in 1939 the station was identified as an ideal location to launch maritime operations under Coastal Command. From 1950-2015 Leuchars was on permanent guard with every type of operational interceptor in RAF service.

Although extracts from Sonny Ormrod's diary have appeared in various publications over the years, the editors now offer the complete story of his brief period of aerial combat over Malta. His was one of many young lives lost in the effort to safeguard Malta, and he was there when only Hurricanes were available to combat the Luftwaffe's onslaught.

The story of the fight by airships against U-boats during WWI, as told by those who flew the airships of the Royal Naval Air Service. Through pieces written by them or interviews with veterans, the book covers the entire experience of being a pilot from initial training, through their adventures flying airships, until the final victory.