Merlin PR Spitfires

Mushroom Model Publications (MMP) are now printing and distributing the “Classic Warbirds” series from Ventura Publications. This firs book, under the new collaboration, is this study of Merlin-engined photo-reconnaissance Spitfires. It is by the noted Spitfire historian Wojtek Matusiak.

The development, operational history, colors and markings are all discribed, for PR Spitfires in use by the RAF, USAAF, V-VS and post-war operators.

The book is in a 7” x 9 5/8” soft-cover format. It is 64 pages long.

The book contains 78 black and white and three color wartime photos, there are 18 color profile illustrations (one is a two-view), three -color illustrations of wing markings, 3 color shots taken in a museum. One of the profiles is of a captured Spit in German markings. It is accompanied by an actual color photo of this aircraft.

The book talks about the PR Spitfires operational history, the camouflage colors, RAF Squadrons that flew them, a bit about the USAAF in Europe, captured Luftwaffe aircraft and post-war operators.

Inside the back cover of the book are the covers shown of 4 other books in the Classic Warbirds series:

• Book no. 1 “Spitfire Star of Israel”
• Book no. 3 “American Spitfire Camouflage and Markings”
• Book no. 8 “Pacific Twins” (about twin-engined fighters)
• Book no. 9 “Fighter Archive” (with the S-199, Polish night-fighters and Luftwaffe Archives mentioned on the cover)

Below this are lists of both 1/72nd and 1/48th scale decals, for Spitfires, marked by Ventura Decals.

This is essential reading for all those interested in WWII military history, and for aero modelers. Especially, of course, for all those who love the Spitfire.

Earlier volumes of the Classic Warbirds series are also available from MMP, and from good bookstores.

I want to thank Roger M. Wallsgrove, Editor-in-Chief of MMP, for this review sample