Consolidated B-24 Liberator Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

When asked to manufacture the Boeing B-17 under license, Consolidated Aircraft Corporation proposed a better design with the so-called Davis wing.  That resulted in the Model 32, father of the legendary B-24 – the most widely produced bomber ever.

Now it's the subject of Consolidated B-24 Liberator – number 96 in Guideline Publications's popular "Warpaint" series.

Coverage courses through the Liberator's whole history – design, development and deployment.  Text traces all major operational and experimental iterations from the LB-30 through B-24N – plus maritime, photo reconnaissance, transport, tanker and export versions.

Military and civilian.  Even special operations, airliner, captured and warbird use.  Author White stuffs it into his succinct study.

Format follows the publisher's proven prescription.  Color and B&W photos, extended captions, charts, dimensions, performance specifications and serial lists augment the account.  And several pages of close-up shots put this classic combatant under the proverbial microscope for detail enthusiasts.

At least 36 color profiles from Richard Caruana – who also drafted the book's superb, 1:72-scale plans – provide plenty of modeling inspiration.  And a concluding, three-page catalog – in tiny type – records dozens of B-24 model kits, decals and accessories.  Start planning your next project.

Did I like this book?  Definitely.  Over 18,400 B-24 variants rolled from American assembly lines during World War II.  This excellent effort superbly chronicles the legendary Liberator.

Highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Guideline Publications for this review sample!