S u m m a r y
|
| Catalogue Number: |
On-Target Profiles Number
4 "Spitfire Mk.I to VI in the Euopean Theatre of Operations" by Jon
Freeman. Published by Model Alliance |
| ISBN: |
|
| Media: |
Soft cover; A4 format;
32 pages plus covers |
| Price: |
GBP£9.99
available online from The Aviation Workshop |
| Review Type: |
First Read |
| Advantages: |
Great as a modeller's
colours and markings reference; logical structure by variant; 128 colour
illustrations including 32 subjects covered in four-view diagrams; all
profiles usefully captioned; captions clarify some misunderstandings about
the use of "Sky" and other lower surface colours; tie-in with future
decals. |
| Disadvantages: |
|
| Recommendation: |
Highly Recommended |
Reviewed by Brett Green
HyperScale is proudly supported by
Squadron.com
On Target Profiles 4, "Spitfire Mk.I to VI in the European Theatre of
Operations", continues this useful series of books for modellers.
The new book is presented in A4 format and comprises 32 pages between its
soft cardboard covers. The focus of the book is the iullustrations - not
surprising as Jon Freeman, the author, is a well-known British illustrator whose
work has been regularly seen in Scale Aircraft Modelling magazine. No less than
128 aircraft illustrations plus a stack of scrap view drawings of nose art and
other special markings are packed into the new book. These cover 80 different
aircraft - 64 are depicted in side profiles and 16 feature four view diagrams
with both sides, upper and lower surfaces all shown.
All the artwork is in full colour.
The illustrations are organised logically by variant - Spitfire Mk.I
(including a few rare Mk.Ibs), Mk.IIa and b, Mk.Vb. Mk.Vc and Mk.VI. These are
all nicely rendered.
Yet this is more than just a picture book. Yes, the illustrations do
represent great inspiration for modellers, but Jon Freeman has been careful to
point out some interesting deviations from common beliefs about RAF camouflage
colours - lower surface colours in particular. The captions discuss the
transitions between colour schemes and markings, and also point out the
introduction of Sky plus a variety of substitute colours and local mixes that
were applied around the same time. The discussion and illustration of "Duck Egg
Blue" (ie,not Sky); and BS381 No.1 Sky Blue (also not the same as Sky); and
various mixes of light blue and light grey suggests some interesting potential
for painting models of Battle of Britain Spitfire Mk.I subjects.
The depiction of Sky Blue fuselage bands and spinners on Dark Earth / Dark
Green Spitfires is also fascinating.
I really enjoyed this latest title in Model Alliance's Profiles series.
"Spitfire Mk.I to VI in the European Theatre of Operations" will be a
terrific source of inspiration and a fascinating reference source. Its
conclusions will undoubtedly provide some interesting points of discussion for
WWII RAF modelers!
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to
Jon Freeman at
Model Alliance for the review sample.
Review Copyright © 2003 by
Brett Green
This Page Created on 17 November, 2003
Last updated 30 November, 2003
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