Here is another in the superb Aviolibri collection of  special editions by Maurizio Di Terlizzi. Maurizio is a world class modeler as well as a historian and has once again combined both talents into one fascinating edition. 

It is no surprise that I'm up on this book. It is on one of my favorite modern aircraft, the MB.339. For a long time, this aircraft just wasn't properly represented in plastic for us modelers. Finally, over the last few years, there have been main line injected kits of this aircraft in both 1/72 and 1/48. The 1/72 kit is the rather disappointing Supermodel kit. Disappointing in that it is a real pain to build and it is not up to modern standards. The other are the super FremS kits in 1/48. Though it has a few areas that need some attention, it is very much a modern kit, complete with engraved detailing and a superb decal sheet. (If you can't find this kit at your hobby shop, you can get it direct from Pacific Coast Models). I have built both kits and you can read the 1/72 and 1/48 reviews by following the links. Naturally, Maurizio's masterpieces in the book far outdo my meager efforts and point out a number of ways to improve the kits.

The historical section is very well done, covering all the differences between the major variants in addition to covering the development of the aircraft. There are many large color photos of the various aircraft as well as those in different markings from the various air forces that have operated the type. Separate sections on technical descriptions of the aircraft as coloring (camo and markings) are given as is an appendix. In this is a section that gives all the various paint colors used and a cross reference chart to FS numbers and various brands of model paints. There is also an excellent set of three-view drawings to assist those modelers who find drawings indispensable.

In summary, it is all that the modeler could ever want when it comes to the MB.339. If you have any interest in the 339, then this is a book that belongs on your shelf. As with the other editions from Maurizio Di Terlizzi, it is......

Highly recommended!

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