Those modelers with one or more of the Accurate Miniatures Avenger models sitting in their to-do pile who are looking for inspiration to get going on one or more of them need look no further than this latest title from the Osprey Combat Aircraft series.

Noted naval aviation historian Barrett Tillman once again puts the airplane into perspective with what had come before and what the job was that needed to be done that the Grumman Avenger filled so well.

Tillman reviews the history of the Avenger's participation in the fleet actions, Eastern Solomons, Santa Cruz, Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf, as well as its use in the Solomons, and aboard the fast carriers in the trans-Pacific strikes of 1944-45. He also covers the airplane's use in the Battle of the Atlantic, where it became the nemesis of the U-boats in bloody shootouts where the airplane stood a good chance of being shot down by a submarine that chose to stand and fight. Additionally, the use of the Avenger - originally called the Tarpon - by Britain's Fleet Air Arm is given good coverage.

The profiles appear accurate, and provide some interesting and colorful possibilities for modelers; many of these have been covered by Aeromaster in their Avenger sheets.

I am surprised that Tillman did not include the story of perhaps the most-famous Avenger pilot, future President George H.W. Bush, but perhaps he felt the story had already been given wide play.

One comes away from reading this with a newfound respect for the crews who flew "the Turkey" from heaving carrier decks and coral runways around the world.

Highly recommended. Thanks to Squadron Mail Order for providing the review copy.