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Classic Publications |
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Focke Wulf Fw-190 in North Africa by Andrew Arthy and Morten Jessen |
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Reviewed By Floyd S. Werner, Jr., #26266 |
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ISBN 1-903223-45-8 Cost: $54.95 USD Aviation research is in a golden age. When have you ever found an authoritative book on one airplane in one theater of operations? This latest offering from Classic Publications does just what the title suggests; follow the deployment of FW-190 in North Africa. From the early beginnings in July 1942 until May 1943, this book follows the units in the day-to-day operations. Frequently overlooked in the past, the Fw-190 served in the austere desert environment with distinction. Serving as a fighter, fighter-bomber and even as a photo recon aircraft, the Fw-190 held its own against the best aircraft the allies had deployed in the western desert. Constructed mainly of unit diaries and first hand accounts this book covers the daily operations. To add interest, the first hand accounts are interspersed in the text. There are over 150 photos of the pilots and airplanes; many have never been published before. Some of the photos are small and as a personal opinion, I would have liked many of the pictures to be larger. With that said the pictures are of good quality and well reproduced. Included in the book are many wonderful color plates done by Claes Sundin. These include Fw-190s, a P-40, Spitfire, and Bf-109. Maps of the combat area are included showing the great distances that the air war took place. In the appendixes, the loss record of the aircraft and personnel are included. Another neat appendix is the list of captured FW-190. I recommend this book, but it is not for everyone. It is designed for the historian or modeler who enjoys the research aspect of the hobby. Thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy. If you buy from Specialty Press make sure they know you read about it here at IPMS/USA. The book may be ordered by calling Specialty Press at 1-800-895-4585 or by visiting www.specialtypress.com. A $4.95 shipping and handling fee is added to each order. |
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