|
Mushroom Model Publications |
|
Westland Lysander |
|
by James Kightly |
|
Reviewed By Paul Bradley, #35554 |
|
|
|
MSRP: 9.00 GBP The Westland Lysander is one of those aircraft that, designed for a specific role, was a failure in that role but found acclaim in another totally unintended task. In this case, the vulnerable army co-operation aircraft became the darling of the French Resistance by carrying out nighttime sorties to pick up and drop agents and supplies. But the Lysander also served on other less glamorous roles with equal aplomb; target tug, air sea rescue and trainer. Mushroom Model Publications’ latest addition to the Orange Series features this ungainly aircraft in what I believe to be the first full length monograph on this type, although both Warpaint and 4+ have produced modeler’s references in the past. In their usual fashion, MMP rely on previously unpublished first hand accounts of the type’s use. These are interesting and provide some useful background history for our models, something I feel to be a necessary adjunct to our hobby. Alongside these accounts are tons of photos, many of these also previously unpublished. The book details the history of the type and an interesting section gives comprehensive information about exports and foreign usage, including those by the USAAF in Europe. The second part of the book is MMP’s customary comprehensive color coverage, in this instance running to 62 pages. These include many detail photos of some of the handful of survivors that exist; in deed, MMP include details of all 13 known extant airframes. Also included is a complete set of plans to 1/72 scale. Rounding out the book are 28 full-color profiles covering all roles and many nations. All this is very useful indeed to anyone tackling one of the handful of Lysander kits available on the market. The fact that this book is so inexpensive makes it all the more valuable. As a series, this is proving to be very useful indeed as MMP tackles subjects that have never previously been so comprehensively covered. This book is certainly no exception and I can heartily recommend it. The book is obtainable from Mushroom Model Publications at their website. MMP books are also available through Squadron and Barnes and Noble. Our sincere thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review sample. |
|
Information, images, and all
other items placed electronically on this site |
