This is the second offering in Stratus' new series of books called 'Rare Birds'. This seems to be something that will cover aircraft which entered service, but in small numbers and it appears that they are concentrating on aircraft of the Polish Air Force, which makes sense considering where it is published.

The RWD-14 was an upgraded version of the RWD-12, which was built in response to a requirement for a more modern observation aircraft that could also double as a light bomber. It was to replace the RWD-8, which had been in service for a while. The RWD-12 had issues, the biggest of which was that it was underpowered. A new, more powerful engine was installed along with some other changes and it was finally accepted into service in the mid-1930.

Development and testing was protracted so it only really entered service in the late 1930s, by which time it was already obsolescent. Not all units had received the type by the time the Germans invaded and while it gave a fairly good showing, it was an easy victory for German aircraft. Some aircraft fled to Romania where those that made it were used for a short time by the Romanian Air Force.

The book provides a nice history of the type along with a lot of well-chosen period photos. There are several pages of plans in both 1/72 and 1/48 along with a full color spread of one operated by the PAF in 1939 and a Romanian plane.In all, it is a very well done book that will be appreciated for the large number of photos as well as the plans that are provided. It is one that I liked and I know you will as well. 

September 2025

Review book courtesy of Casemate Publishers where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books. Get yours today at this link.

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