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Mushroom Model Publications |
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An Ordinary Day in 1945 |
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by Peter Kassak |
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Reviewed By Howie Belkin, #16 |
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MSRP: $22.95 USD Softcover apx 6.5”x 9” - 84 pages, 16 color pages, 67 b/w photos. Mushroom Model Publications offers this interesting “freeze frame” image of the air operations over Western Europe on March 2, 1945, based upon the combat op reports from the RAFs 2nd TAF, USAAFs 8th and 9th Air Forces and the Luftwaffe. Of special interest to the modeler are the 16 pages full of color side views of the aircraft covered in the text, from P-51s, a P-61, B-24s, B-17s, Tempests, a Spit, FW 190s, BF 109s, a Ta 152, Me 262s and Ar 234s (some represented by b/w photos as well)! Some of the pilots and crews photos are also included. The text brings together disparate parts of historical reference creating a living composite that are so much more than your average reference book. For example, Lt Howard of the 339 FG, 505 FS flew a P-51D named “Little One II” for the first time, on what became its last mission as he was shot down by A.A. fire while strafing German aircraft dispersed in woods along a motorway. His wingman reported Howard had died in the ensuing crash, but we learn he was thrown from the cockpit where trees and a telephone line miraculously broke his fall from 300 to 0mph. His flight leader was also downed, and provides us with a description of what it was like to have A.A. fire explode in your cockpit, find your leg wedged unnaturally under your seat and managing to successfully crash land and inject yourself with morphine while suffering excruciating pain but remaining conscious of a German, whom you probably just strafed, approach you. If you appreciate that kind of background to accompany your camouflage and markings profiles, you’ll be glad to add this book to your collection. This book is highly recommended for its historical and camouflage and markings value. Available for $22.95 plus shipping and handling at Mushroom Model Publications, www.mmpbooks.biz in the U.K. or Squadron mailorder@squadron.com (972) 242-8663 or better shops in the US. Many thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review copy. |
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