The latest in the excellent series of books from Mushroom Models Publications is this one on the Spitfire V. As many of you, I really didn't think that the Spitfire V was that complicated an aircraft in terms of variants. However, I was soon shown to be wrong in this. It is nearly as convoluted a variant as the Bf-109G-6. This is as much due to the different wings and that the airframes themselves could be converted from earlier versions as much as new made. Then there are the different equipments added to the aircraft during its lifespan. Add in that each of the manufacturing sites; whether they be Supermarine, Westland or Castle Bromwich and you can see how things get confused.

The book touches on all those differences and does so in an exemplary manner. It is a very easy read and debunks a few myths, such as the existence of Operation Jubilee markings and the colors used on some Malta based aircraft.

Typical of the series, it opens with a historical perspective and goes into the differences between the subtypes. There are sections on Seafires and non British users of the aircraft as well. A technical section is included with a number of excellent drawings. This is followed by the usual 'walk around' of the aircraft, using museum and flying warbirds for the photos. Finally, there are over 20 pages of profiles and period color photographs to round out this edition.

It seems that these books get better and better with each release and this one is the best of the lot so far. All are excellent references and a series that I can most highly recommend.

Review book courtesy of Mushroom Models Publications.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has 200,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.