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Specialty Press Publishers |
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P-51 Mustang Development of the Long-Range Fighter Escort by Paul Ludwig |
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Reviewed By James Kelley, #42106 |
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ISBN #1-903223-14-8 Anyone with a passing interest in the air war over Europe during World War II knows of the Allied bombing campaigns, and the inherent dangers involved. Most of these folks can probably pick a P-51 Mustang out of a lineup as well, and recognize that they were a fighter escort for the bombers, along with the P-38 Lightnings and P-47 Thunderbolts. What most folks are not aware of, however, are the politics involved in bringing the Mustang to the European theatre, employing them as long-range escorts, and how the entire program nearly did not happen. P-51 Mustang: Development of the Long-Range Fighter Escort delves into this “behind the scenes” story of how the Army Air Force believed the bomber missions could and would be self-sufficient, and the push for the mission-readiness of the Mustang to take over escort duties from the mechanically unsound P-38s and the tough but short-ranged P-47s from those who knew the lives of the bomber crews depended on it. This hardcover book is comprised of 224 pages from the preface to the index, and includes a forward by COL Don Blakeslee, former commander of the 4th Fighter Group. 18 chapters chronicle the development of the P-51, and the story is told with the help of 250 black and white photos, 30 color artwork illustrations, and 10 color photos. Many of these pictures are rare, and have not been seen before. Aside from the many P-51 photos, included are numerous wartime pictures of the P-38, P-47, a few Luftwaffe Wurgers, and a whole chapter of the X-Planes of the day; a treasure trove of reference material for the scale modeler! |
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Chapters include background information of
the major players involved, and a bit on each of the aircraft encompassed
in the chapter. Two minor criticisms I have are; the P-51B is where the
“story” ends. It would be nice to have the book follow through on the –C
and –D variants and their roles. The price of $56.95 is a bit rich for
some folks as well, although I do appreciate the time and effort expended
to complete a book of this depth. Otherwise, thoroughly researched, very
well-written, and controversial at times, this book is at worst an
outstanding coffee-table book for the passing amateur historian, and at
best, a must –have for the Mustang aficionado or “serious” scale modeler.
Highly Recommended. “P-51 Mustang: Development of the Long-Range Fighter Escort” is available for $56.95 plus $4.95 shipping/handling by calling Specialty Press at 1-800-895-4585, or visiting www.specialtypress.com. My sincere thanks to John Noack, 1st VP IPMS, and Ms. Karin Hill of Specialty Press for the review copy. |
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