The Spanish Civil War, Prelude to World War II, Airframe Extra No.5 (Valiant Wings Publishing)
Number 5 is the latest issue of Airframe Extra from Valiant Wings, and this time they take the Spanish Civil War for their theme.
Many modellers these days seem to like building subjects based on a theme, which can often be historical events. The “Airframe Extra” series of books from Valiant Wings look at specific areas, and events in the history of aerial warfare with this in mind. Each title cover the history and details of these events. This volume comes right in the 80th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and contain period photographs, historical text and colour artwork from Richard J. Caruana. More importantly to the modeller contain kit builds in 1/72 & 1/48 scale. These are from modellers Steve A. Evans and Libor Jekl. The book is in A4 format, soft cover, very well printed with clear text, good artwork and clear build photographs.
The fifth book in this series covers the war which is sometime referred to as the prelude to World War II. The Luftwaffe saw it as an opportunity to develop aircraft, and more importantly tactic, as well as an opportunity to train its aircrew. There is no doubt that German involvement led to the victory of Franco's forces. For the modeller it is an ideal subject for building many interesting models, with attractive camouflage schemes, often very different than the usual Luftwaffe Greens and the like! This book should provide you with plenty of ideas and scope to build up a unique collection with so many kits already available.
This volume covers aerial operations by both Republican and Nationalist forces between 17th July 1936 and 1st April 1939.
The opening section is a 24 pages historical narrative by Patrick Branly, who does a very good job of detailing the history of the war, between the Nationalist and the Republicans, but with support from other nations coming in from Russia, Italy and Germany in particular. It is broken down chronologically into sub-sections by year, from 1936 through to 1939. The informative text is accompanied with plenty of archive photos and maps to help illustrate the state of play at different times.
Next come over 50 colour profiles and top-views by Richard J Caruana and finally no less than seven models in 1/72 and 1/48 scale:
- Special Hobby 1/72 Junkers Ju 87A-1 by Libor Jekl
- Azur 1/72 Polikarpov I-15 by Libor Jekl
- Azur 1/72 Romeo Ro.37bis by Libor Jekl
- Azur 1/72 Vultee V-1A by Libor Jekl
- RS Models 1/72 Dornier Do 17E (Nationalist/Condor Legion) by Steve A. Evans
- Fonderie Miniatures 1/48 Dewoitine D.510 (Republican) by Steve A. Evans
- Roden 1/48 Heinkel He 51B-1(Nationalist/Condor Legion) by Steve A. Evans
What is not included in this particular volume, which we have seen in the past, is a page of specific hobby paint colour references, as there is little definitive record of exactly what colours were used, such as in the case of Italian aircraft, which were repainted locally in Spain, partly to hide any 'official' link with the Italian government. There are a couple more pages of his colour artwork later on, with pages 70-71, illustrating Russian types such as the I-16, along with British aircraft types being used, with a Bulldog and a couple of Hawker Fury's.
With this series the fine detailed accounts of some finely built models by both Libor Jekl and Steve Evans are a delight to see. Good explanations, some excellent modelling skills and good supporting photos showing the build under way, these give some great inspiration.
If you are looking for a modelling topic that is that bit different to WW2, then this is well worth checking out. All this should provide you with the inspiration to go and seek out your favourite types and finish them in all manners of schemes. So step out of your comfort zone and attempt something totally different -but equally attractive- to add to your collection. With this book you will also learn a lot about a significant part or War History in Aviation.
Price is 9.95 GBP plus postage and ISBN 978-0-9935345-2-2
Orders can be placed on-line via Valiant Wings website http://www.valiant-wings.co.uk/airframe-extra-no5-1776-p.asp or by calling +44 (0) 1234 273434
Or by writing to:
Valiant Wings Publishing
8 West Grove
Bedford
MK40 4BT, United Kingdom
