 Petlyakov Pe-2 and Pe-3
By Jozef And’al, Hans-Heiri Stapfer, and Peter
Novorol’nik
HT Model Special No. 911
HT Model, ©2005
ISSN 1335-3667
Softbound, 80 Pages
HT Model Specials have covered quite a wide range of subjects, but this
is the first time they have tackled a World War Two Russian aircraft.
While it would have made sense to do perhaps a Yak-9 or a La-5, the Pe-2
is actually a good subject to cover, as there is not as much out there
as on those other more common aircraft. When presented in the typical
HT Model Special format, the result is an excellent reference on a famous
aircraft. Its designer, Vladimir Petlyakov, studied under Zhukovsky and
worked with Tupolev until he was imprisoned during Stalin's purges. The
Pe-2 was designed while Petlyakov was in prison, and in fact became his
way to freedom. Unfortunately, Petlyakov died in 1942, before he could
see just how successful the Pe-2 family became.
This book presents the Pe-2 family in amazing detail, as we have come
to expect in HT Model Specials. This includes hundreds of photos and
many pages of factory drawings. The photo coverage includes both historical
aircraft and museum examples at Warsaw and Monino. This is a comprehensive
photo walkaround, with both exterior and interior details exposed. Complementing
these detailed photos are the drawings, which show sections that perhaps
are not clear in the photos, or reinforce what is seen. Finishing out
the book are scale drawings showing the different variants, as well as
a handful of color profile illustrations. The color profiles show the
Pe-2/3 in markings other than just Soviet, hinting at the broad success
of the aircraft.
his is an excellent book on the Pe-2/3, and will be an invaluable reference
for those wanting to build the MPM 1/48 kits. My thanks to HT
Model for
the review copy. Visit their website for ordering information and other
titles in this great series.
|
|