The Gloster/A.W. Meteor Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | June 2019 | Title | The Gloster/A.W. Meteor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Richard A. Franks | Publisher | Valiant Wings Publishing |
| Published | 2019 | ISBN | 978-1-912932-02-3 |
| Format | 192 pages, softcover | MSRP (BP) | £18.95 |
Review
Looking for a superb, all-in-one, “Detailed Guide To Britain’s First Jet Fighter”?
Grab The Gloster/A.W. Meteor by Richard A. Franks – 15th in Valiant Wings’ acclaimed “Airframe Album” range.
Over nearly 200 pages, contents follow the publisher’s proven, picture-packed prescription.
Coverage commences with Franks’ typically thorough historical commentary. From the earliest hand-built prototypes through worldwide service to specialized two-seat versions, it’s all here.
Text next turns to nearly 100 pages of technical and variant details. Confused about Meteor evolution? Valiant’s terrific isometric drawings clearly chart lineage.
Dozens of Richard J. Caruana’s superb color profiles sample the sweep of Meteor schemes in the subsequent “camouflage & markings” section. Two pages of authoritative RAF specifications further season the section. And accompanying comments cover, country-by-country, Meteor livery.
How about that page of RAAF No.77 Sqn F Mk 8 nose art in Korea?
Modelers will love the book’s concluding parts:
- Libor Jekl’s 1:72-scale Dragon/Cyber-Hobby F Mk I build
- Steve A. Evans’ 1:48-scale Airfix FR Mk 9 construction feature
- three appendices cataloging Meteor kits, accessories, masks, and decals
- a fourth appendix listing British Meteor squadrons, and
- a fifth of published Meteor references
Valiant Wings has forged brilliant repute for superior studies like this. This vital volume deserves pride-of-place in the libraries of all Meteor enthusiasts.
Robustly recommended!
With thanks to Valiant Wings Publishing for this review copy.