Hungarian Fighter Colours Vol. 2 Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | April 2014 | Title | Hungarian Fighter Colours Vol. 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Dénes Bernád and György Punka | Publisher | Mushroom Model Publications |
| Published | 2014 | ISBN | 9788363678210 |
| Format | 208 pages, hardbound | MSRP (USD) | $69.00 |
Review
The inimitable Dénes Bernád and György Punka return with the second and final part of their superb study, Hungarian Fighter Colours 1939-1945.
And MMP's terrific tome completes their roster of wartime Hungarian subjects:
- Heinkel He 112B-1/U2 (E)
- Avia B.534-IV
- P.Z.L. P.11a
- Re.2000 Héjja/Héjja-O
- Weiss-Manfréd WM-23
- Messerschmitt Bf 109Gs
- Messerschmitt Bf 110
- Messerschmitt Me 210Ca-1
- Focke-Wulf Fw 190
Like Vol. 1, chapters comprise two parts: operational service and camouflage & markings. Appendices summarize Hungarian fighter unit structure, air aces & victories, enemy aircraft losses and combat sorties.
I suspect that, with the Bf 109's enormous popularity, many readers will focus there. Not me. Sections on the Avia B.534, Reggiane Re.2000, indigenous Weiss-Manfréd WM-23 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 "Seal" proved more appealing. Still, approximately 100 Bf 109Gs vastly improved Hungarian combat capabilities. And MMP's expert authors capably chronicle their use.
Camouflage & markings notes, like those from Volume 1, proved intensely illuminating. Now I know how Hungarian maintenance men applied the legendary "Puma" badge – and the marking's exact size! The superb color profiles also roused my modeling muse. And dozens of hitherto unpublished photos – ideal for project reference – augment MMP's authoritative account.
This spectacular study – both volumes – deserve pride of place in every East-Front enthusiast's library. I absolutely loved Bernád and Punka's brilliant book. Now perhaps MMP will consider companion titles on World War II "Axis Allies" bombers!
Robustly recommended!
With thanks to MMP for the review copy.