Military Model Scene

Title: Before the Storm: RAF Fighters 1920-1939
Author: Martin Derry & Neil Robinson
Publisher: Pen & Sword
ISBN: 978-1-152678-6180

FlightCraft Special 3, from Pen & Sword. A 104-page soft-cover book.
Another 'Special' in the FlightCraft series of books, and while aimed primarily at modellers, these specials don't have the model showcase elements of the usual books in the series. This one takes a good look at the RAF Fighter in the period between WW1 and WW2. Following the short introduction, this one is split into 4 main sections plus 3 very useful appendices with useful reference detail. The string of RAF scout/fighter aircraft is tackled in a simple chronological sequence, starting with the Roaring 1920s, the Path to Combat: RAF Biplane Fighters 1930-39, the Monoplane Fighters 1936-39, all rounded off with a short section illustrating Production Denied, some monoplane fighter which didn't go into production. All the sections have scores of archive photos, all with extensive and informative captions. There are also 2 sections of 12 pages each with some super colour profiles which illustrate the many different types in their varied camouflage and markings schemes. The 3 appendices list RAF Fighter Squadrons 1930-39, Basic Technical Details (of each type) and lastly, RAF Fighter Colour Schemes 1920-39 Explained.
The large number of archive photos are beautifully clear and adding the excellent colour profiles (and that final appendix) I am confident modellers will really enjoy this. With so much leading to the famous Spitfires and Hurricanes which took the RAF into WW2, there is also plenty more to attract the aircraft enthusiast. I am a volunteer at the Museum of Berkshire Aviation in Woodley, so was especially taken by the detail on the Bristol Bulldog, in one of which Douglas Bader famously crashed there in December 1931, losing his legs. In addition, the Miles M.24 is one of those in the Production Denied section. Lots of useful references and very good value for money.
Thanks to Pen & Sword for the review copy.

Robin