Ad Hoc Publications

Scimitar: From the Cockpit #2

by  Michael J. Doust

Reviewed By  Paul Bradley, IPMS# 35554

MSRP: £14.95 ISBN: 978-0946958-59-2 Newly released in the "From the Cockpit" series from Roger Chesneau's Ad Hoc Publications, this volume on the little-known Supermarine Scimitar will please those looking for references for the new MPM kit. The last of Supermarine's fighters, dating back to the Spitfire, the Scimitar was not a great success with only 76 built and a mere 8 years of service. Nevertheless, it is fondly remembered by its pilots as in this book. Michael Doust has written a number of books for Ad Hoc and once again writes with a wealth of knowledge stemming from his years of service on the Scimitar. His text is interspersed with many first-hand accounts from Scimitar pilots. No dry tale this; many amusing and hair-raising incidents pepper the text as pilots mastered their mounts. Although it could get off the ground and climb to altitude with alacrity, its performance when it arrived was rather pathetic, as if it had used up all its energy just getting there. But it was a good attack aircraft and indeed was the first of the Fleet Air Arm's nuclear bombers. Accompanying the text is a wealth of terrific photos, many of which are from private sources and have not been seen before, and a series of colour profile paintings. There are few Scimitar kits around. In 1/48, Dynavector released a mixed media kit in the mid-nineties, while an all resin kit from CMR can be found in 1/72. I await the forthcoming MPM 1/72 kit with interest. References to aid in the construction and finishing of these kits are few and far between and while not specifically a modeler's book, this is nonetheless a very valuable addition to the naval aviation enthusiast's library and I can heartily recommend it. This book is available directly from Ad Hoc Publications; please visit their re-worked website (www.adhocpublications.com) for ordering details. While you are there, check out the whole range of Ad Hoc books; there are many mouthwatering titles forthcoming! Our sincere thanks to Roger Chesneau for the review sample.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.