The American Austin
was built through 1934, and the same engine was used throughout the production
run. It was an L-head four that displaced 46 cubic inches, had only
two main bearings, and developped 13-14 brake horsepower at 3200 rpm.
A roadster and coupe were initially offered. Its 75-inch wheelbase
was fully 16-inches less than that of the future VW Beetle. Also,
the Austin weighted only 1100-1200 pounds, it was an attractive little
car, designed in parts by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky. Austins provides
a welcome touch of amusement in a drab period for America. And, for
a few people, they became a sort of reverse status symbol, much like the
Beetle in the 1950s. Al Jolson, who loved cars and ussually drove
Packards or Lincolns, bought the firts Austin coupe delivered to a private
buyer. He was followed by numerous other Hollywood stars: Buster
Keaton and Slim Summerville.
SIZE: 2"x1" DCV: -2 MASS(KB): 800KG(-3) STR:
25 DEF: 3 BODY: 13 DEX: 15
SPD: 3 MOVE: 15"x4 MAX: 180" NOTES: TWO SEATERS.
In
simple terms, the Model T changed the world. It was a powerful car with
a possible speed of 45 mph and ran 25 miles on a gallon of gasoline. It
carried a 20 horsepower side-valve four-cylinder engine, two-speed planetery
transmission and a 100-inch wheelbase. Important to the long-term success
of the Model T was Childe Harold Wills' experiments with the properties
of vanadium steel wich resulted in the lightness and durability that was
an important trademark of the Model T.
SIZE: 2.5X1.25 DCV: -2 MASS: 1.6T KB: -5 STR: 35 DEF: 3 BODY: 8 DEX:
10 SPD: 3 MOVE: 9X4 MAX 108
The
wheelbase of the new Model A was 103.5 inches, the tread was 56 inches,
and road clearance 9.5 inches. The steel body was brought down to reduce
the car's height. Its weight was greater than that of the T, running from
2,000 to 2,500 pounds. A 10-gallon gas tank was an integral of the cowl.
Wire wheels with steel pokes were fitted with balloon tires and internal-expanding
mechanical brakes all around. Unprecedented features on the new Model A
included hydraulic shock absorbers and safety glass windshield, bumpers,
automatic windshield wipers, tilt-beam headlights, and a Bendix self-starter.
Like its brother, the little A could go anywhere and do anything on 20
miles to the gallon but with greater safety and far superior comfort for
those aboard.
SIZE: 3X1.5 DCV: -3 MASS: 3.2T KB: -5 STR: 35 DEF: 3 BODY: 10 DEX:
10 SPD: 3 MOVE: 15X4 MAX: 180
These
are the little two-setter convertibles for the fast lane drivers. If speed
is your need, look no further. The Stuz is a four-speed, 240 kmh joyride.
No actor or actress will be caught in anything less.
SIZE: 3X1 DCV: -3 MASS: 1.6T KB: -4 STR: 30 DEF: 3 BODY: 9 DEX: 15
SPD: 3 MOVE: 20X4 MAX: 240
The
engineering of the SJK is outstanding, as befit a Mercedes-Benz. The 1.49
liter six-cylinder engine turns out 40 brake horsepower, wich is well complemented
by precise steering.
SIZE: 3.2X1.6 DCV: -3 MASS: 3.2T KB: -5 STR: 35 DEF:3 BODY: 11 DEX:
15 SPD: 3 MOVE: 20X4 MAX: 240
Studebaker
was formely a carriage maker, now switched to automobiles. The Dictator
Royal Tourer, a luxurious five-passager car, features standard spare tire
lock, speedometer, windshield washer, and shock absorbers and is available
in closed-top or open versions.
The vehicle's six cylinder engine has a displacement of 12.5 liters(764
in3) and turns out 150 horsepower. The engine is very low-revving, and
reaches its maximum horsepower at low rpm, guaranteeing that the vehicle
will not bog down when trying to accelerate wiht a full load.
SIZE: 3.2X1.6 DCV: -3 MASS(KB): 3.2T(-5)
STR: 35 DEF: 4 BODY: 15
DEX: 10 SPD: 2 MOVES: 8X8 MAX: 128
BLACK BEAUTY MARK II. 
The Black Beauty Mark I was perfect in his role of combat car, the Mark II was however conceived by Hayashi Kato for only one purpose: to get the owner wherever he has to be as quickly and safely as possible. It is equipped not only for extra speed, but for safe off road driving. Has safety measure this highly modified Ford sport coupe 1938 was blinded with aluminum for not diminish it incredible performance. Kato, a very gifted inventor. has created the ultimate getaway car for this era.
SIZE: 2"X1" DCV: -2 MASS(KB): 800KG(-3) DEF: 8
HARDENED BODY: 13 DEX: 25 SPD: 5
MOVE: 31"X4 MAX: 620" NOTES: REINFORCED TIRE (5
DEF, 6 BODY).
4 SKILLS LEVELS WITH GROUND MOVEMENT.
3 SKILLS LEVELS WITH GROUND MOVEMENT, ONLY TO COUNTERACT TERRAIN
MODIFIERS.
5 SKILLS LEVELS WITH GROUND MOVEMENT, ONLY TO COUNTERACT DECELERATION
MODIFIERS.
HIGH RANGE RADIO HEARING, OIF RADIO.
+8 DEF; OIF (PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM), ONLY PROTECTS DRIVER FROM
CRASH DAMAGE.
A police car in pursuit of the black beauty in
avi
The SdKfz 251 boasts a 100 hp, 4.2 liter 6 cylinder engine, which can accelerate the vehicule to a top speed of 52.8 kmh, even when laden with an entire 10-man infantry squad. The cargo box of the SdKfz 251 is generally left open, although it can be covered with a canvas top. The vehicle is lightly armored and is designed to be run by a two-man crew.
SIZE: 3.2X1.6 DCV: -3 MASS(KB): 4.5T (-6)
STR: 38 DEF: 6 BODY 16
DEX: 10 SPEED: 2 MOVE: 8X8 MAX: 128
SIZE: 3,2X1.6 DCV: 3 MASS(KB): 12,2T(-7)
STR: 45 DEF: 8 BODY: 17
DEX: 10 SPD: 2 MOVE: 7X8 MAX: 112 NOTES:
TWIN-VICKERS 303
SIZE: 3.21.6 DCV: -3 MASS(KB): 6.4T(-6) STR:
40 DEF: 10 BODY: 16
SPD: 2 MOVE: 10X8 MAX: 160 NOTES: 7.92MM MACHINE
GUN
Excelsior
specializes in larger displacement four-strokes, including the Super X
45-inch and Series 20 61- inch, both powerful v-twins. Charles Lindbergh
is the proud owner of 1919 model Series 20 Excelsior.
SIZE: 1X1 DCV: 0 MASS(KB): 200KG(-1) STR: 15 DEF: 3 BODY: 8 DEX:
15 SPEED: 3 MOVE: 8X8 MAX: 128
Harley-Davidson produces a wides range of models including a 37 cubic-inch
opposed twin, and 45, 55, 61, and 74 cubic-inch V-twins. They have sold
thousands of units to both the military and polices forces, exporting large
shipments to countries as far away as China and South America.
SIZE: 1.25X.64 DCV: 0 MASS(KB): 200KG(-1) STR: 15 DEF: 3 BODY: 11
DEX: 20 SPD: 3 MOVE: 14X4 MAX: 224
Indian
is H-D's major competitor, often excelling the latter's sales to the military
and police. The most popular Indian, the Scout, is a 36-inch V-twin. The
Chief messures 45 inches, and the Big Chief, a full 74-incher, produces
24 hp and has a top speed well over 110 mph. Late this decade, Indian introduces
a four-cylinder in-line machine.
SIZE: 1.6 X 0.8 DCV: -1 MASS(KB): 300KG(-2) STR: 18 DEF: 3 BODY:
11 DEX: 15 SPD: 3 MOVE: 14 X 4 MAX: 224
The
Clipper airplanes first began commercial flights in 1936. By today's standards,
the planes were a luxurious mode of travel with sleeping berths and fine
food. A typical flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong lasted about 7 days
and cost $1.600. This included food, and lodging, so it should be compared
with a current ocean cruise, rather than a jet flight. As one traveled,
(island hopping) there were numerous island stops for repairs and refueling.
SIZE: 23X16 DCV: -9 MASS(KB): 38T(-9) STR: 45 DEF: 3 BODY: 19 DEX: 15 SPEED: 3 MOVE: 24X8 MAX: 576 NOTES: CREW 7-10 PASSENGERS: 74
The
Pitcairn autogyro is the most popular autogyro available. This air vehicle
is a rotary wing aircraft which is noted for its extremely short take-off
distance. By gearing the engine to the rotor and then disengaging it once
airborne, it can take off and land from the roof of any large building.
Almost a helicopter, it lacks only a helicopter`s ability to hover. Numerous
adventurers and the Shadow have made it the air vehicle of choice. With
external tanks, it range can exceed 186 kilometers.
SIZE: 2X1 DCV: -2 MASS: 400KG KB: -2 STR: 15 DEF: 3 BODY:12 DEX:
20 SPD: 4 MOVE: 15X4 MAX: 240
Although
similar in appearance to the three-engine Fokker F.VII, the Ford monoplane
incorporates a unique corrugated metal skin coated with non-corrosive aluminium
providing exceptionnal durability. Other design inovations include wheel
brakes and a tail wheel in place of the simple skid. Seating a crew of
two plus fourteen passengers, the 4-AT provides the finest in state-of-the-art
air passager transportation. Although production ceases in 1932 when the
design is made obsolete by larger, twin-engine designs, the durable Ford
Trimotor is a familiar sight in the skies for decades to come.
SIZE: 5X2,5 DCV: -4 MASS: 12.5T KB: -7 STR: 45 DEF: 3 BODY: 10 DEX:
15 SPD: 3 MOVE: 21X4 MAX: 252
The
930 kilometer range of the DC class of airplanes made it quite impressive
for the time. They also have the capability to be adapted for military
usage as transport planes.
SIZE: 14X10 DCV: -8 MASS: 10T KB: -7 STR: 35 DEF: 3 BODY: 17 DEX:
15 SPD: 3 MOVE: 26X8 MAX: 624
The
airship became an important flying machine around the turn of the century,
though airship experiments had gone on already for several years. What
helped speed up the development of the airship was the commercial production
of aluminium and smaller, more efficient engines. Aluminium allowed the
airship to have a rigid frame, allowing more of an aerodynamic shape, and
the new engines allowed greater power with less weight. Airship ranged
from 150 feet long to 600 feet long. The later model could stay aloft for
several days and could gain speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Airships were
called the luxury liners of the sky and a few number were put into use
across Europe, and fewer yet across the Atlantic.
LENGTH (HEXES): 27/54/100 AREA (HEXES): 351/1250/5000
MASS: WE HAVEN'T BOTHERED CALCULATING THE MAS OF AIRSHIPS, SINCE
MOST OF THEIR VOLUME CONSISTS OF LIGHTER-THAN-AIR GAS INSTEAD OF SOLID
MACHINERY, THE NORMAL MASS CALCULATIONS WOULD BE INCORRECT.
DCV: -9/-11/-13 STR: 80/95/110 KB: -14/17/-20 BODY: 24/27/30 DEF:
2 DEX: 2 SPD: 3 MOVE: 9X4 MAX: 100
MESSERSCHMITT BF. 109. 
From 1936 to 1945, almost
35,000 of these aircraft were build. This figure alone gives an indication
of the importance of the Messerschmitt Bf. 109 in the German aeronautical
arsenal during World War II. However, in the course of its long and extensive
career on all fronts, this small, agile and powerful aircraft acquired
a role that went well beyond the purely quantitative dimensions of its
production (the highest, without exception, of the entire war), and fought
its way into the ranks of the greatest protagonists of aviation history.
In fact the appearance of the Bf. 109 brought the era of the biplane to a definite close, imposing qualitative standards that sooner or later were to serve as reference points for aircraft manufacturers all over the world. Willy Messerschmitt’s fighter not only placed Germany suddenly in the vanguard the field of military aviation, but it also became the progenitor of all the pure combat planes that were to emerge from the conflict. In this latter role, the Bf. 109 had a fierce adversary (and not only in the skies over Europe) in another "immortal" , the British Spitfire, with which it participated in a continuous technological chase, aimed at gaining supremacy in the air and leading to the continuous strengthening and improving of both aircraft.
The Bf. 109 originated in the summer of 1934, in response to an official request for a monoplane interceptor with which to replace the Heinkel He.51 and the Arado Ar.68 biplanes. Its designers, Willy Messerschmitt and Walter Rethel, took the excellent features of the four-seater Bf. 108 Taifun commercial aircraft as their basis and created the smallest possible structure compatible with the most powerful engine then available. The fighter thus took the form of a compact, all-metal, low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit. Originally it had been planned to install the new 610 hp Junkers Jumo 210A engine, but because this power plant was unavailable, the prototype was fitted with the Rolls-Royce Kestrel V engine, generating 695 hp at takeoff and driving a two-bladed wooden propeller.
The aircraft was completed in September 1935, and a month later it began comparative tests together with the other prototypes created in response to the same specifications. The Arado Ar. 80, the Heinkel He. 112, and the Focke Wulf Fw. 159. The final choice left the He. 112, and the Bf. 109 in the running, and both manufacturers received an order for 10 preseries aircraft. In practice, however, the Messerschmitt project proved to be the best and in the course of its development, the aircraft was substantially modified, especially in its armament and its engine, which now became the Jumo 210A. The first aircraft of the initial production series, the Bf. 109B, appeared in February 1937, and four months later they were sent to Spain.
In November 1937, a prototype fitted with an engine capable of generating 1,650 hp over short distances broke the world speed record, setting a new one of 379.07 mph (610.43 km/h). There were many variations of the Bf. 109, with the B followed by the C on to the final K-14 version.
For the Pulps Adventurers, the Bf. 109, is the deadly foe who attempt to blow them up out of the blue sky. But with a little luck, superior skill and great ingenuity the good guys always win (see Indiana Jones and the last crusade). The Nazis have better plane (in the 30 at 40 era) but the heroes are, in the pulp anyway, better pilot.
BOEING F4B. 
One of the most famous of Boeing's biplane fighters of the inter-war years, the F4B originated as a private venture to develop a replacement for the US Navy's F2B/F3B carrier-based fighters and the Army's PW-9's, which had entered into service in 1928. Although they had been in service for only a short period of time, Boeing believed it was possible to refine the design to give improved performance without additional engine power.
Two very similar prototypes were built: Boeing Models 83 and 89. The former had a spreader-bar axle landing gear and a arrester hook; the latter a split-axle landing gear so that a 500 lb bomb could be carried beneath the fuselage. In all other respects they were virtually identical. The model 83 (s/n 8129) first flew on June 25, 1928, and was delivered to the Navy at San Diego on June 28 after preliminary evaluation at the Sand Point Naval Air Station, Seattle. The model 89 (s/n 8128) was sent by rail to the Navy Test Center at Anacostia, Maryland, on July 24 and made its first flight on August 7, 1928. While at Anacostia, this aircraft was loaned to the Army and was tested by Army pilots at Bolling Field, the Army installation across the airfield from the Navy Anacostia installation. Following Navy evaluation in the summer of 1928, 27 were ordered as F4B-1's, (s/n A-8130-8156) these combined the best of both prototype models, and incorporated the undercarriage and bomb provisions of the Model 89 and the arrester hook of the Model 83. The first F4B-1 flew on May 6, 1929 and all were delivered between June 19 and August 22. Coloring was all silver except for chrome yellow on the top surface of the upper wing. Some were delivered with the vertical Navy rudder striping, while others had silver colored rudders. These 27 were split between two different squadrons, some as bombers to VB-1B and the remainder as fighters to VF-2B. Unit costs for the F4B-1, less engine and GFE were $13,750 (USD).
The next variant to be delivered was the F4B-2. Forty-Six (46) (s/n 8613/8639, 8791/8809) F4B-2's, were delivered between January 2, 1931 and May 2nd, had the spreader-bar axle, a tailwheel, Frise-type ailerons and a neat ring cowling for the engine which increased overall speed by 3 mph and increase engine cooling. The per unit cost of these were $10,800 (USD), less engine and GFE.
The F4B-2's were followed by an order on April 23, 1931 for twenty-one (21) (s/n 8891/8911) F4B-3's with a semi-monocoque all-metal fuselage. These aircraft were delivered to the US Navy between December 24, 1931 and January 20, 1932.
At the time the F4B-3's were ordered another order for 92 F4B-4's, which differed by having a larger fin and rudder was placed, but delivery was delayed until July 21, 1932 due to the Navy allowing the first 14 on order to be modified and diverted to Brazil as Boeing Model 256. Seventy (70) of the F4B-4's were delivered to the Navy and 21 went to the Marine Corps. One additional F4B-4 (s/n 9719) was produced without a Boeing factory serial number and was actually assembled from spare parts, by the Marine Corps, supplied with the original order!
The USAAC placed an order for 10 aircraft similar to the F4B-1 on November 7, 1928, (s/n 29-353/362) accepting the US Navy's evaluation as being correct. Being designated as P-12s, these differed only by having the arrester hook and other naval specific equipment deleted. In addition to this initial order, 90 P-12B's (s/n 29-329/341, 29-433/450, 30-29/87) were built with a 425 hp (317 kW) Wasp engine, which was followed by 96 (s/n 31-147/242) P-12C's similar to the Navy's F4B-2's. Delivery of disassembled P-12C's to the Army began on August 30, 1930, and the last on February 12, 1931. The first recorded flight of a P-12C was on January 30, 1931.
Later, 35 (s/n 31-243/277) P-12D's were built with a more powerful 525 hp (391 kW) Wasp engine. Sixteen P-12C's were later converted to P-12D's. The serial number of the converted P-12C's were: 31-152/154, 156, 157, 159/161, 175, 195, 209/212, 233 and 234.
The most numerous production model, however, was the P-12E. This had a monocoque fuselage, pilot's headrest faired by a turtleback and a the same engine as the P-12D. A total of 135 (s/n 31-553/586, 32-1/76) were ordered on March 3, 1931, many remaining in service until replaced by Boeing P-26A's in 1935. The contract unit price of each P-12E was $10,197 less GFE. The first recorded flight of a P-12E was on October 15, 1931. The last 25 of the P-12E (s/n 32-77/101) order actually were fitted with a 600 hp (447 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-1340-19 engine and had their designation changed to P-12F.
Total production for the Army and Navy amounted to 586 aircraft, representing a production record for a basic military design which remained unequalled until the attainment of the long production runs during World War II.
BOEING P-26 "PEASHOOTER". 
The Boeing P-26 "Peashooter" bears
the distinction of being the first all-metal monoplane fighter to be adopted
by the U.S. Army Air Corps. It was produced in 1934, and although clearly
a transitional design, over a five year period this small, agile combat
aircraft equipped the front-line units based in national territory, the
Panama Canal Zone, and Hawaii.
It was withdrawn only on the eve of the United States entry in the war. Despite this, the P-26 took part in military action, even if bearing the insignia of another nation and was officially credited with two kills. The first on December 12th, 1941, a P-26A flown by Captain Jesus A. Villamor shot down a Mitsubishi G3M2 bomber over Batangas, in the Philippines. The second on December 23, 1941, Lieutenant Jos'e Kare in his P-26A of the Filipino 6th Pursuit Squadron shot down a Mistsubishi A6M2 "Zeke".
The project that lead to the creation of the P-26 was started by Boeing in September of 1931 with the Boeing Model 248 which was also known to the Air Corps as the P-936. Boeing produced 3 prototypes in cooperation with the USAAC with the intention of producing a modern combat aircraft. Boeing provided most of the funding itself under an Army Bailment Contract signed on December 5, 1931, with the USAAC providing the instruments and the engines for each of these three aircraft. The P-26 design incorporated the best of the older more conservative biplane designs of earlier years with some newer ones. The P-26 used an innovative all-metal, low-wing monoplane with an aluminum moncoque fuselage, but was hampered by fixed landing gear enclosed in streamlined fairings, and external wire bracing on the noncantilevered wings and an open cockpit. In spite of these design concessions, the P-936 was regarded as a radical design. It looked more like it belonged at the Cleveland Air Races than on any Army fighter field. The XP-936 was first flown on March 20, 1932, and was the last fighter aircraft to be mass-produced by Boeing before the company went on to bigger things, in both the figurative and the literal sense.
The P-26 was finally ordered into production in January 1933. Despite its obvious advancements over its biplane predecessors, its appearance was not universally welcomed. The unofficial name "Peashooter", supposedly inspired by the blast tubes of its two machine guns was not initially a complimentary one. Many pilots, accustomed to the superior handling of the earlier biplanes, were less than pleased with some of the flying characteristics of the new monoplane. The Air Corps bought a total of 139 Peashooters between 1933 and 1934, including the three original prototypes. The majority were P-26A's of which 111 (s/n 33-28/138) were built. The first P-26A made its maiden flight on January 10, 1934 and the last of the initial order was delivered on June 30 1934. The per unit cost for the P-26A's produced was $9,999 (USD) less engine and GFE.
After the P-26A's had been in service
for a short time, the Army became dissatisfied with the landing speed.
Wing flaps, developed and tested by the Army on a P-26A and by Boeing on
the Model 281, the export version of the P-26A, were installed on all P-26A's
then in service and on the next two variants, the P-26B and C. The next
25 units, designated P-26B's, were to have been equipped with a fuel-injected
version of the Pratt & Whitney R-1340-33 Wasp engine that promised
to improve the plane's performance at higher altitudes, but only three
of the new engines were initially available. There were exactly two P-26B's
(s/n 33-179, 180) produced and delivered on June 20, 21 1934 at a cost
of $14,009 each less engine and GFE. The remaining airframes were completed
as P-26C's (s/n 33-181, 183/203), designed to incorporated the fuel-injected
engine but equipped the carbureted engine instead. The armament on all
variants consisted of two forward fixed 12.7 mm machine guns (or one 12.7
mm and one 7.7 mm) plus a bomb load of up to 200 lbs (91 kg). The aircraft
could carry either 2 x 100 lb bombs or 5 x 30 lb bombs.
If in the pulp era the hero pilot a fighter the probability is high
it was a P-26. It was the same plane the agent 13 use to stop
the brotherhood from bombing the capitol with their huge Zeppelin (The
midnight Avenger a TSR graphic novel).
.
DCV: -2 SIZE: 2.5X1.25 DCV:
-2 MASS(KB): 1.6T(-4) STR: 25
DEF: 3 BODY: 9
DEX: 18
SPD: 4 MOVE: 47X4
MAX: 664 NOTES: ONE PILOTS.
