Schiffer Publications

The Nieuport 28 America's First Fighter

by  Theodore Hamady

Reviewed By  Don Garside, IPMS# 30235

MSRP: $59.95 ISBN: 9780764329333 Book Supplied by Schiffer Publications: (www.schifferbooks.com) The Nieuport 28 has been a favorite of mine since the first time I saw "The Dawn Patrol" on television in 1961 or so. Needless to say I was delighted at the chance to review this book. As usual, Shiffer Publishing has produced a top-notch product that will impress any fan of the Nieuport 28, especially modelers! It's a hard cover with 277 pages. Many sharp and clear vintage photos of both men and machines concerning the fighter's history are there. Rickenbacker, Campbell, Winslow, Lufbery, Meissner, even the often forgotten Harold E. Hartney are all covered within this impressive volume. All aspects of the Nieuport 28s history are covered from its inception, through its combat career with the Americans, and its postwar service with the Swiss, the Argentineans, and again with the Americans, including the U.S. Navy. There is an especially interesting chapter on the Nieuport 28 in Hollywood. This was a real treat to a kid that grew up on the old 30s, 40s, 50s, aviation films.

For modelers this book is a real treasure. There are numerous line drawings, a very informative section on color and markings, and best of all seventeen beautifully done color profiles which include information on colorful cowlings and the different placement of markings on various airframes. There is also a photographic essay of the NASM's Nieuport 28 restoration. This essay along with the many line drawings, vintage drawings and photos cover all aspects that a modeler is interested in, including the cockpit, engine, and all the other "fiddily-bits" that we love to detail. This book more than rivals other contemporary "detail books." As with my three other Shiffer Publication books, "The Nieuport 28 America's First Fighter" will hold a proud place in my aviation history library. According to the dust cover the book sells for $59.95. …..can't wait to start my next model! Thanks to Schiffer Publications and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this excellent book.

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