According to the introduction, volume 1 on the Corsair was Monograph #1 so volume 2 has been a while in coming. This edition continues the sage with the F4U-1D and subsequent variants up to the ultimate Corsair, the F4U-7 that was built for the French Navy. The book is dual Polish and English. The translation in this edition is first rate and I saw none of the odd syntax errors that were found in some of the earlier volumes.

Some of the more noteworthy chapters are on use by the Royal Navy and New Zealand Air Force, a part of the aircraft's history that is often glossed over or missed entirely. Then there is a large section on operations during the Korean War, where the Corsair was the main nautical fighter-bomber early in the conflict. Use in the French Vietnam War as well as that with Honduras and El Salvador in the 'Soccer War' are also covered. The final section is on camouflage and markings that were carried by  Corsairs during their life time. This includes tail code and ship associations, a useful guide I've not seen elsewhere. The book is also amply illustrated with excellent black and white photos. If I had a suggestion for Kagero, it would be to try to align the photos with the written part of the book. I also didn't see a single Royal Navy or New Zealand photograph in the book, though there were a couple of profiles.

Probably the most useful section for modelers and those confused by the differences in variants is that of drawings. There are 1/48 scale three and four view drawings of every Corsair dash number. A section is also included that highlights the differences from one variant to another.

Kagero is well known for its excellent and large profiles. This book is no different with seven pages (including covers) of superbly done profiles. There is also a superb center fold-out with two aircraft drawn in great detail.  Kagero books in this series also provide decals for several of the aircraft profiled and this one is no different. Unique markings for seven aircraft are provided in 1/72 and 1/48 scale with one set of markings in 1/32 to round out the sheet. The decals are by Techmod so you know the quality of them.

 The superbly done profiles, decals and drawings are a real asset and make this a book that I can recommend to you.

Review copy courtesy of Kagero, where you can buy direct.

September 2006

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