Finnish Fighter Colours 1939-1945 (Vol 2) Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | December 2015 | Title | Finnish Fighter Colours 1939-1945 (Vol 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Kari Stenman, Karolina Holda | Publisher | Mushroom Model Publications |
| Published | 2015 | ISBN | 9788363678449 |
| Format | 208 pages, hardbound | MSRP (USD) | $69.00 |
Review
MMP continues its superb study of Finnish World War II fighters in Vol 2 of Finnish Fighter Colours.
Contents and pagination pick up where Vol 1 left off. This time, subjects include the:
- Hawker Hurricane I & II
- Caudron CR 714
- Curtiss Hawk 75A
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 G
- VL Myrsky
- I-153
- I-16
- LaGG-3 and
- Curtiss P-40M Warhawk
MMP’s lavishly illustrated sequel proved a sumptuous smorgasbord, indeed. I happily and hungrily sampled this fulsome feast in non sequential fashion – dining on the VL Myrsky, Caudron CR 714 and Curtiss Hawk 75A; noshing through captured Soviet equipment and Hawker Hurricanes; and desserting on the Curtiss P-40M Warhawk and Messerschmitt Bf 109 G. The last understandably dominates most of the book.
Once again, individual aircraft coverage broadly divides into three parts. With occasional “Winter War” overlap, summaries largely focus on “Continuation” conflict service, camouflage & markings notes, and selected aircraft examples.
Chapters include photos – many previously unpublished – and extended captions. Individual tables recap – among other entries – subject serials and fates. And detailed comments and reference shots accompany Karolina Holda’s outstanding color profiles.
Absorbing anecdotes season the study. And research appears totally trustworthy. Looking for an accurate suite of Finnish Bf 109 stenciling? It’s here!
I absolutely loved this brilliant book. It – and its companion volume – probably offer English-language readers the finest study of WWII Finnish fighters to date. Get both!
Rabidly recommended!
With thanks to Casemate for the review copy.