Aircraft Pictorial 4: F4F Wildcat
By Matt Bittner
Author: Dana Bell
Publisher: Classic Warships Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9823583-9-9
Binding: Softcover
Pages:72
The most recent book put out by Classic Warships in their Aircraft Pictorial line is this excellent book on the Grumman F4F Wildcat. The book starts with a general history of the aircraft, and then moves into the photos. Plenty of photos. It starts with the prototype, moves into the first production machines, and ends with the FM-2.
Throughout this area of the book are photos. Pictures of the cockpit, close-up detail photos, anything on the airframe can be found in pictures. There isn’t much you can’t find in a photo within this publication.
If you plan on building any of the Wildcat models (Trumpeter in 1/32; Monogram/Revell in 1/48; Hasegawa in 1/72, etc.) then this book is a must. If you're looking for a book that covers the type not only in detail but also an overall history, this book is a must. However, if you're looking for a book of color profiles for modeling, then you'll need more than just this book. There are generic color profiles on how all the insignia, roundels, serial numbers, etc. was all layed out for all types - in general - there just aren't any profiles for specific airframes. Personally I don't think it's a problem because this book sets out what it was meant to do - be a "go-to" reference for wanting to know about the aircraft and all the details pertaining to it.
If you're interested in the Wildcat, buy this book. If you're interested in US Navy aviation, buy this book. I’m very glad Classic Warships is continuing this line of books, especially since they’ve announced - at the back of this F4F book - the next type to be covered is the P-40. Excellent!
Huge thanks to Classic Warships for the book to review.