'VARK PHOTO STUDY
Schiffer Publishing's Legends of Warfare series turns its attention to that famous swing-wing jet, the General Dynamics F-111.
It's odd that so few kits of the mighty F-111 have been produced over the years, but for modellers with this subject on their build list, Schiffer's new hardback on the type is a worthy reference. After a basic introduction and focus on the Aardvark's development and entry into service, individual chapters explore each service sub-type, beginning with the RF-111A recce version and F-111B naval airframe (neither of which entered service), then the F-111A, C, D, E, F, G, FB-111A and the electronic warfare EF-111A 'Sparkvark'.
Each chapter begins with descriptive text before providing an array of generally excellent photos, in close-up form and of whole airframes. Modellers will find both beneficial, but particularly the studies of the cockpit and open equipment bays... not just for painting, but also if scratch-building activity is on the cards. Factory drawings of cockpits and instrument panel sections provide extra help with finer nuances of the equipment. And there are fascinating glimpses of gear not often described in books, such as the FB-1111A's astro-navigation system, along with photos of different stores, including the AVQ-26 Pave Tack and ALW-131 ECM pods, AXQ-14 data-link, GBU-24 Paveway and AGM-69 SRAM nuclear weapon.
There are more detailed books on the market, in terms of the airframe itself and the type's history - but at just £18.99, this is excellent value and a good general view of this characterful Cold War aircraft.
236mm x 236mm, ISBN: 978-0-7643-6128-9, 122 pages
For further information, visit: www.schifferbooks.com and to order in the UK, see: www.gazellebookservices.co.uk
