MMP Books' Romanian Fighter Colors 1941-45

This makes two superlative large format books in a row from MMP Books. I thought the Late Bf-109 book would be difficult to follow and yet, here is another excellent publication. This time it is on Fighters of the Romanian Air Force during WWII and it is hardbound. Specifically concentrating on colors and markings, this book also gives a darn good account of each type that was in service.

All of the types used in combat are here. It includes the PZL P.11/24, Hurricane, He-112, the locally produced IAR-80/81/82, the Bf-109E and 109G as well as the Bf-110. It also includes captured fighters, specifically the I-16 and MiG-3 from the Soviets and the FW-190A/F versions from when the Romanians changed sides and started fighting the Germans in late 1944.

Each section includes an operational history of each aircraft type with specifics about aerial victories as well as photos of as many of these planes as you have ever seen in one place. From those photos, there are huge profiles and sometimes three views of the aircraft. I found it particularly pleasing to notice that there were a considerable number of period color photos; a real bonus.

In addition to the sections on each type and their particular camouflage and markings scheme, there are several appendices that cover unit and rank structures, as well as a color guide to a number of paint lines, something that will appeal to the modeler. Finally, a section on the different variations on the national insignia, and there are certainly more than one would think.