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Aviation Workshop
On-Target Profiles

Number 8

Photo-Reconnaissance Spitfires in Worldwide Service

by Jon Freeman

Model Alliance
 
 

S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number: The Aviation Workshop On-Target Profiles Number 8 - Photo-Reconnaissance Spitfires in Worldwide Service by Jon Freeman
ISBN:  
Media: Soft cover; A4 format; 48 pages plus covers
Price: Price TBA - available online from The Aviation Workshop
Review Type: First Read
Advantages: Packed with attractive profiles; many and varied colours and markings across all Spitfire PR variants; logically organised by variant; detailed and useful captions describing ops, colours, markings and unusual features; specific references cited; great source of inspiration for modellers.
Disadvantages:  
Recommendation: Highly Recommended

 

Reviewed by Brett Green


HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

 

F i r s t   L o o k

 

The latest release in the Aviation Workshop Profiles series is "Photo-Reconnaissance Spitfires in Worldwide Service", by Jon Freeman.

In common with earlier titles in the series, this 48 page soft-cover book is crammed full of artwork of the subject - in this case 94 profiles of PR Spitfifres in all marks and in worldwide service. 22 of the aircraft are depicted in four-view diagrams on a full page. Jon Freeman's artwork will already be familiar to many of HyperScale's visitors, and his work here is clean, clear and very attractive.

Captions accompanying the profiles are excellent, covering colours, markings, operations and references to photos. This is especially useful to modellers, as the artwork will provide the inspiration; but a photo will identify a myriad of minutiae.

Three pages of reference photos include several nice wartime colour photos.

The book is logically structured by PR Spitfire variants including aircraft serving in the ETO, MTO, FAA and SEAC;  plus post-war and international operators.

If you ever thought Spitfire camouflage was a bit boring, this book might just change your mind. Whether your preference is pastel pinks, greens or blues; or if your taste runs to PRU Blue by itself or in combination with greys or white; Ocean Grey and Dark Green; or Dark Blue, then you'll find an attractive finish to dress your Spitfire model.

Indeed, there are many other colour combinations covered in addition to those mentioned in this paragraph. When theatre markings, various styles of national markings (many featuring non-standard colours, sizes and locations) and nose art are thrown into the mix, we are presented with a fascinating camouflage case study.

If you want to see some of these schemes in three dimensions, there is no shortage of available models on the marketplace. Between Tamiya, Hasegawa, ICM, Academy and Airfix; in combination with commonly available conversions and after-market canopies from Falcon, you should be able to build virtually any of the aircraft depicted between the covers.

Even better news for modellers is that Model Alliance will be releasing three decal sheets in the near future covering subjects in this title.

 

Conclusion

 

The "On Target Profiles" series has demonstrated a proven formula for delivering a wide selection of interesting camouflage information in an attractive and compact format.

On Target Profiles 8 - "Photo-Reconnaissance Spitfires in Worldwide Service" is a terrific title that will provide plenty of inspiration for modellers, and also specifically points the reader to more photos and information.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Jon Freeman at Model Alliance  for the review sample.

Review Copyright © 2006 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 20 January, 2006
Last updated 20 January, 2006

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