Mosquito FB.VI Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | February 2011 | Title | Mosquito FB.VI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Dave Brown | Publisher | SAM Publications |
| Published | 2009 | ISBN | 978-1-906959-08-1 |
| Format | 96 pages, softbound | MSRP (BP) | £15.00 (Approx 24.50 USD) |
Review
SAM Publications released a nice title in their Aviation Guide series, this one dealing with one of my favorite subjects, the de Havilland Mosquito. The airframe was constructed of wood as metal was in short supply in wartime Britain. Despite its wooden construction, the Mosquito could easily fly away from any fighter in the skies over Britain or Germany until late in the war. The airframe was highly versatile, with variants produced as fighter-bombers, radar interceptors, light bombers, and reconnaissance platforms. As the aircraft served throughout the war, it was modified for anti-ship duties, special operations, target designator for night bomber missions, and more.
This title focuses on the Fighter-Bomber Mark VI which replaced the bombardier nose of the Bomber Mark IV with four .303 machine guns in the nose and four 20mm cannons under the cockpit (a similar configuration to the Night Fighter Mk.II). The author has blended assembly diagrams out of the FB.VI maintenance manual with detail photos in color of the corresponding parts on the aircraft. The contents of this title include:
- History
- Fuselage Structure
- Wing Structure
- Tail Unit
- Engine Installation
- Undercarriage
- Fuel System
- Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems
- Electrical System
- Cockpit
- Armament
- Camouflage & Markings 1943-1945
In addition to the great detail photography around the airframe, this title has nearly 30 color profiles to illustrate some of the camouflage variations adopted by operators of the FB.VI during its wartime service. This title also has nice 1/48 scale line drawings showing the layout of the type from all angles as well as scrap drawings showing early and late production variations, rocket rails, and external bomb racks.
The Appendices provide the squadrons that operated the FB.VI as well as a listing of the serial number blocks of this type.
This title will definitely appeal to aviation enthusiasts as it provides a nice look at the subject with lots of engineering details that will also please the detail modeler. Whether you're building the Tamiya 1/48 FB.VI or Airfix's huge 1/24 FB.VI, here is a great reference to help you detail your model accurately whether by recognizing and painting the kit details or adding your own.
My sincere thanks to SAM Publications for this review sample!