Red Stars 4: Lend-Lease Aircraft in Russia

C.-F. Geust & G. Petrov
Apali Oy, 2002
ISBN 952-5026-23-X
224 pages, hardbound

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

This latest title in the Red Stars line continues the quality and quantity of the previous volumes, with this one covering Lend-Lease aircraft. Photos fill the first 177 pages of this book, many never before seen in print. The aircraft covered include both British and American types, with the usual P-39s and Hurricanes in good numbers. In addition to these common types are some very interesting and lesser-known subjects, such as the Ablemarle and Vultee V-11. One aircraft I was pleased to see extensive coverage on was the A-20, as little has been published on this plane in the VVS. In addition to the great photo section, there is comprehensive text outlining the different types flown, including known units that flew the types. Rounding out the book is a nice selection of color profiles illustrating many of the more interesting aircraft. Two of the pages feature the aircraft on the MPD decal sheet reviewed elsewhere in this issue.

For those who already have the earlier Red Stars volumes, I'm sure you've already ordered this one. For those that haven't picked any up, this is a great one to start with. Since this volume covers Lend-Lease aircraft, there are plenty of available kits out there to build up in Soviet markings. The photos here will definitely whet your appetite for more.

My thanks to Apali Oy for the review copy.