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Specialty Press Publisher Warbird Tech Series, Volume 33 Grumman A-6 Intruder by Dennis R. Jenkins Reviewed By Doug Hamilton, #21985 |
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104 pages, soft cover This book is one of the latest in the Warbird Tech Series of books by Specialty Press. It covers an aircraft that is one of my all time favorites, the A-6 Intruder. The A-6 served for nearly 30 years in the front line attack role for the U.S Navy and Marine Corps, able to carry more tonnage that a World War II B-17. It also was the base platform for the EA-6 series of electronic warfare aircraft, as well as a Tanker, and the subject of many updates, modifications, and experimental equipment. The book, printed on heavy paper, covers the life of this extraordinary aircraft very well. Mr. Jenkins is to be commended for his dedication to this project. This book was originally written for another publisher, but was never published. After a few years, Specialty Press picked it up and released it. The level of information presented is quite large, and is well documented with numerous quality photographs, 22 of which are in color. In addition to the informative text, there are many drawings that show external features, weapons loads, and cockpit arrangement, many taken from official A-6 publications. The text is laid out nicely, taking the reader in a logical sequence from first inception to final retirement. Close attention is paid to the development of the radar and the TC-4C aircraft used as a test bed. Included are clear photos of this unique looking bird both in color and black and white. The TRAM turret is also detailed with drawings and photos. Other modifications covered in detail are the TRIM development aircraft, and the KA-6 Tanker version. Many of the color photos show the A-6 in its different operational settings, both carrier and shore based. As an extra bonus, one shows the A-6 in a unique brown and tan camo scheme. This is a very nice book for the modeler, giving us a reference work that is of high standard. The only fault I could find, and this is more a personal view as anything else, is the low number of Marine Corps birds shown on its pages. I would have liked to see more Corps birds, but given the level of information presented, I can get over it!! I would recommend this book to any fan of Naval Aviation, A-6 nut, or anyone contemplating building an A-6. This book, and others in the series can be ordered from Specialty Press at the address, or website above for the reasonable price of $16.95. Please include $4.95 for shipping and handling. My thanks are given to Specialty Press for supplying this copy for review. Specialty Press Publishers 39966 Grand Avenue North Branch MN 55056 1 800 895 4585. |
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