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Dana Bell |
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Aviation Color Primers No. 1: US Export Colors of WWII by Dana Bell |
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Reviewed By James Kelley, #42106 |
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Available through Meteor Productions MSRP: $10.95 USD Regarded widely as an authority on US military color schemes and markings, Dana Bell has authored more than 17 books on aviation. His reference monograph, “Aviation Color Primers No. 1: US Export Colors of WWII” holds true to the classic axiom “Big things come in small packages”. First made available at the 2002 IPMS Nationals in Virginia Beach, this big little reference is again available through Meteor Productions. Comprising only 23 pages cover to cover, including glossary and references, it’s about the best 10 bucks a scale model aircraft aficionado can spend. As the title alludes to, the focus is on colors used on US-manufactured aircraft by Allied air forces during the Second World War. While the monograph addresses the camouflage schemes adapted for use primarily by the Royal Air Force (RAF), countries such as France, Belgium, Sweden Australia, and Holland are briefly discussed. Either by outright purchase or the Lend-Lease program, these nations looked to the US when in need of combat arms supplementation. Now, what would a reference like this be without pictures…? Hmmm, don’t know, don’t care. Mr. Bell has included 4 color photos, 28 black and white photos, and 10 factory-schematic drawings of factory regulation camouflage scheme application. This averages out to just under 2 pics/diagrams per page (1.8/each for you rivet counters). The text includes historical insight as to why the schemes were developed as such, the intricacies and mysteries of “RAF Sky”, and most interestingly, excerpts from Technical Sub-Committee on Camouflage meeting notes/policies. My review copy was provided as collated high-grade laser-printer paper secured with 2 staples. A clear, Avery PV119 slipcover served as a dust jacket. This monograph is a must-have for the modeler of WWII Allied aircraft. My sincere thanks to John Noack, 1st VP IPMS, Dana Bell, and Meteor Productions for allowing me to review this outstanding reference for you. |
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