Few aircraft elicit the interest in enthusiasts, modelers, and the public like the Spitfire; especially in the UK where it has reached near-deity levels. To the uninitiated, Spitfires all seem to be about the same.lume. However, reality shows us that the Spitfire's variations are even more convoluted than the Bf-109, as difficult as that might be to believe.

This latest volume from Valiant Wings straightens out much of the difference in sub-variants with the Griffon powered planes that often confuse even those who are enamored by the aircraft. Much of the confusion comes from aircraft being upgraded on the production line as much as anything. This is especially the case with the difference between variants is little more than an engine change.

What all this results in is another very large book of 272 pages that follows Valiant Wing's usual format; one that works extremely well and provides information in one place that no other series does better. The Airframe portion is the history section and this is divided logically into three sections; Mark XII to 24, Seafire XV to 47, and finally, the Spiteful and Seafang. A camouflage and markings section is where you will find a plethora of full color profiles.

The Miniatures section has your kit reviews and some builds of various scales. Then there is a section that is fairly unique to this series and that is the sometimes minute differences between aircraft as the airframe progressed. For instance, there are multiple drawings of the same airframe as it was used as the basis for various upgrades. This is topped off with an extensive detail section using both period and extant airframes to cover all the parts and pieces. As usual, there are appendices with kits, decals, aftermarket and books. Unlike the book on the Merlin Spits, this one includes everything that has ever been done, available or not. As a bonus for the first edition, a huge foldout of 1/48 plans is included in the front of the book.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, that this is the best modeler's resource on the Griffon Spitfire I have ever read. Buy it! (Sorry Steve, this is a keeper).

August 2019

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