Here is the latest in a Squadron/Signal's Walkaround series. I am quite fond of this and their other similar books and am always pleased when I see what I consider to be improvements in the series.

The B-29 was America's longest range bomber, designed for the distances that US air forces had to cover in the Pacific War. Not that B-24s did not have good range, but the B-29 had better and was able to carry a larger bomb load. Designed for high altitude bombing, all the crew areas were pressurized. As often happens, it turned out that the majority of missions were at a lower altitude in order to improve bombing results.

This aircraft carried on into the early 1950s being the main heavy type used in Korea. Several interned examples were reverse engineered down to the battle damage repairs by the Soviets and in that way, they were given an aircraft capable of carrying Soviet nuclear weapons.

As most of you know, these books depend on extant museum aircraft or warbirds for the detail stuff. In the B-29 we are quite fortunate in having several to choose from. By far the most accurate standard B-29 is the fully restored aircraft in the New England Air Museum in Connecticut. This aircraft is used for most of the full color detail images. We also get images from the two extant Silver Plate nuclear bombers; Enola Gay and Bocks Car.

In tune with others in this series, we get superb looks at the cockpit area, gunner's stations, bomb bay, wheel wells, engines, and various external areas. This is additionally enhanced by an excellent selection of period images, some of which are in color. A brief historical background starts the book and in the back is information on those planes still around as well as those rescued from Aberdeen Proving Ground. I found it interesting that over 500 B-29s were expended as weapon targets at Aberdeen.

In all, it makes for a great book that is not only an interesting read, but a first rate reference as well for the detail enthusiast. Most highly recommended.

January 2012

My thanks to Squadron Products for the review copy. Get yours today at your favorite shop or on-line retailer.

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