During the interwar years prior to WWII, the general lack of funding kept progression in military aviation to a fairly slow pace. It wasn't until the mid-1930s that things started to change. Until then, pretty much everything produced for the military was little different from what was developed near the end of WWI. Fighters were still biplanes. They still had rifle caliber guns and often only two of them. They were still mostly fabric covered and they rarely exceeded 200 mph even in the best of conditions.

However, the designs did get a bit sleeker and engine development was such that those 200 mph speeds could be reached. Such was not the case with the Bristol Bulldog as its maximum speed was 178 mph. Still fast enough in the late 1920s to engage other fighters and catch most other bombers, so when it was developed in the second half of the 1920s, it was considered good enough. Though built in what we'd now call small numbers, it was, for a time, the premiere RAF fighter and was the mount of many RAF squadrons. A two seat training version was also developed that served longer than the front line fighter. Such was its success, that it drew the attention of other nations, who felt it was right for them and so it had a fairly successful overseas sale.

This latest book by Valiant Wings not only provides a fair history of the type, but, thanks to an extant airframe or two, is able to give us a look at the details of this interesting aircraft that also included period photos and illustrations.  There is a very interesting color and markings section and the modeler is not forgotten. This isn't a modeler's book as other series will cover that. However, there is a build review of Airfix's new 1/48 Bulldog I. In addition, there is information on kits, accessories, decals and books for those who want more. Finally, there is a brief rundown of units who operated the type.