Book reviews
MUSTANG UPDATED
Intended initially as an updated and expanded edition of an earlier volume, MMP’s Mustang Rediscovered evolved into a much more comprehensive study of later P-51 variants, and includes the photo-reconnaissance F-6D/K.
CURRENT STATUS STUDY
Known officially as the Republic of China, Taiwan has a fascinating military history, with war with the People’s Republic of China and continuing tensions between the states. Its Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) is the subject of Harpia’s new book, which having been published in summer 2021, is the most up-to-date study of the subject available.
LONG-LIVED BATTLECRUISERS
While many pre-World War One dreadnoughts were upgraded significantly in the inter-war period, few were changed as much as the four Japanese Kongō-class battlecruisers (Kongō, Hiei, Kirishima and Haruna), which were reconstructed extensively.
WACKY WEAPONS
“Necessity is the mother of invention”, as the saying goes, and this is particularly true during wartime, when operational needs drive massive changes.
FRIEDRICH PLANS
Modellers with Messerschmitt Bf 109F kits will appreciate Kagero’s TopDrawings publication, which provides a selection of scale plans, colour profiles and detail diagrams for this sub-type.
SLICKS, SNAKES AND LOACHES
Modellers seeking inspiration for Vietnam War US Army helicopters need look no further, thanks to this stunning photo archive (the second on this subject) documenting the colourful artwork worn by those rotary assets in Southeast Asia.
PEKE AT THE ZEKE
Mitsubishi’s A6M fighter was among the best carrier-deployed fighters of World War Two, and the subject of this Pen & Sword Flight Craft volume.
POLISH SPOTTER
Lukgraph, MasterCraft, Mirage Hobby and Aeroplast are among the firms to produce kits of the Polish Lublin R-XIII army co-operation aircraft, and modellers with these may find Kagero’s Monographs book useful.
EUROPEAN SCHOOLHOUSE
The 18th volume in the Duke Hawkins Aircraft in Detail series features the Franco-German Alpha Jet trainer/light-attack aircraft, with a lavish photo-study suitable for aviation enthusiasts and modellers alike.