Sopwith Camel Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Kagero has been turning out some very interesting and well-researched monographs on many subjects which have not been previously adequately covered.

Printed with Polish and English text, the author does an thorough job of covering the development and operations of the Sopwith's Camel. The first 56 pages of the book provides a detailed account of the aircraft's history, illustrated with numerous B&W photographs that include some interior and fabric-less airframe shots.

The author then provides an outstanding set of 1/48 scale three view drawings depicting the standard configuration of the Camel.

Next, the author provides seven pages of nice color photographs of the Camel on display in the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow. This aircraft is displayed without the fabric covering providing some oustanding detail of the exterior and interior rigging and details of the aircraft.

These drawings are followed by detailed scrap drawings of interior details and how the aircraft was rigged.

Last, but certainly not least, a set of decals are included in 1/48 and 1/72 for several of the aircraft depicted in the color profiles.

The title concludes with several pages of color profiles depicting the aircraft as it appeared in operations.

This title follows the high standards for detail and accuracy that Kagero has become known for and should be a must-have for the aviation historian and modeler alike. This book is recommended and may provide a reasonable alternative to the hard-to-find Windsock Datafiles for WW1 modelers and historians.