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Schiffer Publishing |
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Battle Colors Volume 1:(VIII) Bomber Command Insignia and Aircraft Markings of the Eighth Air Force in WWII by Robert A. Watkins |
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Reviewed By Howie Belkin, #16 |
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MSRP: $45.00 USD Hardcover 9 ¼”x12¼” 128 pages, color drawings and b/w photos throughout You could just about fill-up the average modeler’s library with U.S. World War II fighter aircraft camouflage and markings books, yet you’d be hard pressed to fill one shelf with books on bomber markings. There are a few good ones out there, to be sure. But now 8th Air Force bomber buffs have a sure bet that Schiffer’s Battle Colors Vol. I: (VIII) Bomber Command is the best yet. This one volume is crammed from cover to cover with full color and black and white illustrations and photos that will blow you away. Mr. Watkins exhaustively documents “the evolution of all fuselage, wing and tail markings” assigned to every bombardment squadron, group, wing and division assignment within the Mighty Eighth. With this one reference book you could pick a specific unit at a specific date in time and accurately depict your model accurately. Every detail down to the “proper size, placement, color and configuration of all tactical markings… are addressed.”. You can really appreciate the effort that went into the research, when the author shows you the official authorized squadron insignia for the 4th BS, 34th BG on page 30 for example, and “a popular variation” that “many 34th BG veterans associations still recognize as representing the 4th BS.” Though camouflage itself is more thoroughly treated in Schiffer’s USAAF Aircraft Markings and Camouflage 1941-1947, there’s a treasure to discover here too. While everyone knows that the 8th AF took on the deadly daylight bombing of Germany, few know that B-17s of the 422 BS of the 305th BG flew night leaflet drops and pathfinder missions with matt black undersurfaces instead of neutral gray. Later on a section became the 406th NLS with overall black B-17s. To top it off, each bomber unit comprising the 8th is indexed, cross referenced, and organized into order of battle flow charts, with airfield location maps giving point of reference of their operations. There’s even an illustration of a combat box formation. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and markings of the U.S. 8th Air Force bombers. There’s enough in this one book to fill a bookshelf! Battle Colors Vol. I: (VIII) Bomber Command is available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, Pa. 19310 www.schifferbooks.com or most better hobby shops and bookstores. Many thanks to Schiffer Publishing for the review copy. |
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