Adding to their great line-up of aviation titles is this volume from MMP Books that covers Finnish Trainer aircraft from 1930 until the end of WWII. One thing about the Finns is that they were not afraid to take a lot of photos of their military and this is especially true of their aircraft. Not only are the images interesting, the quality of the photos is top rate. In addition, they used a fair amount of color film once it became widely available. Those sorts of photos are widespread throughout this particular volume.

As with most military air arms, the camouflage of these aircraft changed as time went by. Prior to the start of hostilities, it was unnecessary to apply any warpaint so these aircraft were either in overall silver or orange. With the beginning of hostilities, these planes were initially hurriedly camouflaged and later, during overhauls, given the appropriate scheme.

Now it was not uncommon for obsolescent combat aircraft to be used by training units or for those units to provide advanced training on current types. In those cases, the planes did not receive any special trainer colors (which for Finland was orange) and were left in their operational colors.

Some of the types covered are the Letov S.218, VL Pyry (the cover plane), Avro Anson, Koolhoven FK.52, Polikarpov U.2, and dozens of additional types. The Finns were not opposed to using captured Soviet aircraft and you'll find those in the listings as well as the usual photos. In fact, it is the photos and accompanying full color profiles that are the real attraction of this book. It also doesn't hurt that one of the authors is considered THE expert on the Finnish Air Force, that being Kari Stenman. In all, it makes for the best book on the subject yet produced and one that you will be very glad to have on your shelves. Most highly recommended.

July 2023

Copyright ModelingMadness.com. All rights reserved. No reproduction in part or in whole without express permission.