I can always count on Specialty Press to offer interesting aircraft history books and this new one on the C-141 is no exception. In fact, I have been looking forward to this volume as I spent many hours of my life in the world's most uncomfortable airline-style seats that were plugged into the cargo hold of a C-141, as the aircraft whisked me away to various isolated duty stations around the world.

One thing about Specialty Press books is that they follow a specific format. It is a good one that works quite well. First is a brief history of airlift in the US military, followed by the development of the aircraft. Next is a description of the aircraft itself and the different variants. A most interesting section on proposed versions and similar-looking aircraft is next. There are also sections on cargo operations, paint and markings, and flying the plane.

A nice color section is standard in Specialty Press books and this one has many pages of C-141 images. Appendices include serial listings, preserved aircraft, and significant dates. I did find some sections to be a tad repetitive in that information provided earlier was repeated. The author also seems to have fixated somewhat on aircraft 67-0166 as there are quite a few images of this plane scattered throughout the book. However, I must say that those who are not big C-141 fans won't catch it, and it is probably only my interest in the type that even makes it worth mentioning.

When you look at the combination of interesting writing, excellent photographs, a logical presentation, and a really decent price, this is a book that you really should buy.

June 2005

Review book courtesy of , where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books.

For those of you who can't get enough C-141 pics, here are a few from my own archives.

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