If you spend any time at all researching things on the net or in various books in your library, you know that there are times when one either runs into contradicting information or simply cannot find what you are seeking at all. This is particularly true when it comes to information on cockpits. Now I know that there are folks who build models who are not all that interested in the variegations between different versions of your favorite aircraft. Conversely, there are those who are and they want things to be as perfect as possible.

While much has been written about some favorites, such as the Spitfire or Bf-109, there isn't all that much detailed information on the F4U Corsair. In particular the early F4U-1 family. Yes, we can find photos on the net, which are often restored airframes, but there is a lot that is either out of view in the image or that we are unable to discern just what's what from the image. This is made even more difficult as things change during production based on operational experience and there are often modifications made that are not readily apparent. In addition, there are things that are tried and don't work out so are discontinued.

Dana Bell needs no introduction to most of us as his works and meticulous research are well known. He has put a lot of time and effort into this particular book and it shows. What you basically have is the evolution of the F4U-1 Corsair from the earliest 'birdcage' version to the last F4U-1D. This book annotates and illustrates each part and change with period photos, various service bulletins and color drawings that show the upgrade or change. The drawings are superbly done and in subdued colors so that we can clearly see just where everything is located.

Though I'm not a major F4U fan-boy, I was duly impressed with the thoroughness of the information that was presented. It provides the best look at the systems and progression of changes made to the cockpit of this important WWII aircraft. A great read and a book that I can quite easily recommend to you.

April 2022

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Thanks to Dana Bell for the review book. You can get yours today from this link.

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