Like most of us who build models, I am fascinated by the wide variety of colors and markings that have been carried by warplanes. While some go ga-ga over airliners, I have continually been fascinated by military aircraft.

As a modeler, there are times when I get rather anal about camouflage. Sorry to say it, but there it is. However, I try very much not to let this trait go public and generally keep it to myself!

While there are many books on the camouflage schemes, of the US, Britain, and Germany, there is really very little out there (at least in English) about other countries such as Japan, Italy, and France. Information on French colors has been especially slim. However, thanks to Aero Editions, there is now a very good primer on the subject. 

The book itself is in A4 format and consists of 72 pages. It is profusely illustrated and has a goodly number of color profiles. What I found to be particularly nice is that just about all the photographs were new to me. This alone made it worth the price to me.

The book is broken down into 8 sections. Those are:

• National Markings

• Camouflage

• Badges

• Tactical markings

• Service markings

• French Navy

• The Free French

• The French Air Force 1943-45

Also included is a very nice camouflage color chart. This chart gives not only the names of the colors, but their uses. It is because of this chart that I painted the interior of an upcoming French WWII aircraft in Midnight Blue instead of the light grey that the kit instructions suggested. The chart is not paint chips as that would have driven up the cost, but gives a very good representation of the colors use.

I found the book to be a fascinating read. The number of differences in markings is really astounding. For example, I had no idea that there were so many variations on the Vichy markings. For the first time, I found out that aircraft in Syria and Indo-china had their own set of markings applied to the aircraft.

As it is a primer, most of the book is taken up by photographs. These are very well done and do a superb job of showing the markings that are discussed. There are also a few rare period color photographs.

I would be quite surprised if this book didn't spawn a decal sheet or two. Probably not by any US sheet makers, though.

Overall, I found the book to be a very good value. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in French WWII camouflage.

Review copy courtesy of me and my credit card!

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