I'm constantly amazed as the books that are produced by Specialty Press. This one certainly has to be the finest of its type and definitely fills the 'Specialty' portion.

It isn't very often that one sees a book on an engine. Sure, you see them from time to time when it comes to automobiles, but it is rare to see such a comprehensive look at an aero engine.

Like many of my friends, I had assumed that the the R-4360 was little more than two 2800s stuck together, but boy, was I wrong. This was a totally new package and due to the sheer size and power of this engine, the development time should have been incredible. Yet from start of design to a working production engine was under 5 years. An incredible feat once you understand the complexity of producing an engine of this magnitude. This is made even more amazing when you realize that much talent was taken from piston engine projects and put into the new darlings of the age; the turbojet.

Author Graham White is a self pronounced engine nut. He personally owns two of these engines as well as a Griffon, R-2800 and a few others. His exhaustive research into the National Archives has produced a book that is second to none and will undoubtedly never be superseded.

The book is laid out into a number of sections, starting with a background history on large engines, development of the 4360, production and variants, turbocharging and other exhaust enhancements, model types and specs, military applications, commercial applications, racing applications, and the future of the engines that still exist.

To say that the book is profusely illustrated would almost be an understatement. There are hundreds of quality images of the engine, its variants, charts, diagrams and photos of the aircraft that used it. These come from various collections and the inclusion of those from tech orders and maintenance manuals are a huge help in understanding the inner workings of the world's largest production piston engine.

I found the book to be fascinating, especially as I knew so little about it. This is not a book you can just sit down and read in one sitting. It has to be taken in small sections and allowed to sink in before continuing on. It is a superb reference for the modeler and historian alike.  As a reference, it is unsurpassed. As a look back at what was and could have been, it is a book that will pique your interest and one that you will come back to many times over.

March 2006

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