Vickers-Supermarine Griffon Spitfire

Aero Detail #30
Dainippon Kaiga Ltd., ©2001
ISBN 4-499-22741-0
Softbound, 72 Pages

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

Like the Hayabusa title reviewed in this issue, this Aero Detail provides a fairly thorough coverage of the Griffon-engined Spitfires.  Combined with Aero Detail #8 (Spitfire Mk.I-V) and Aero Detail #27 (Mk.VI-XVI), this title rounds out what is likely the most complete photo reference on the Spitfire.  In this book are photos for the Mk.24, Mk.XIVe and Mk.XIV.  Like others in this series this title starts at the front of the plane and takes a slow walk through the airframe.  The differences between the Mk.XIV and Mk.24 are well covered in photos, and the other Griffon-engined versions are included in the form of scale drawings and period photos. There is one unfortunate omission, however, which is even more glaring when there's a very nicely restored example out there.  This is the PR.XIX Spitfire, which is currently on view in Sweden.  There's no photos, no drawings, and no mention of this version of the Griffon-engined Spitfires, which is unfortunate.  For the other versions, though, this is an excellent reference and if you have the first two volumes you'll definitely want to add this one to round out the set.

This book is available from Roll Models for $28.50.