Just when one thinks that there are no good references on a type, Mushroom Models Publications comes to the rescue with one of their super monographs. This one is on the somewhat unique and much maligned Boulton Paul Defiant. Designed as a bomber destroyer that could infiltrate the bomber stream and then rake them with a barrage from the quad .303s in the turret, the Defiant was pressed into service as a standard fighter during the Dunkirk evacuation. While initially able to decimate attacking fighters who were not aware of the turret, the enemy was able to learn from this mistake and the Defiant was, in turn, badly mauled on the next meeting.

With no real mission, the Defiant was then turned into a night fighter, but that wasn't the answer either as the pilot also had to be the radar operator for the early AI radars. It then found a 'home' after modification to a high speed target tug, a job that it did quite well until the end of the war.

In line with other books in the series, this volume starts off with a superb history of the type. This section includes performance data and a series of very well done drawings showing the differences in the variants. There is only one Defiant currently extant, and that is at the RAF Museum where their NF.II was thoroughly photographed. In concert with period photos, this walk-around should provide enough detail for even the most demanding reader. It is then followed by page after page of outstanding color profiles.

All in all, a fascinating read and excellent reference on this British aircraft. Those of you working on Defiant models really must have this one on your shelf.

October 2005

Please visit Mushroom Models Publications at their website listed below if you cannot find them locally.

Many thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for providing the review copy.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has around 300,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.