Rock Roszak and Mike Heideman have put together a new book A-7 Corsair II Part 2 US Navy Pacific Fleet Squadrons and Test & Evaluation Facilities. Its number ten in the Detail & Scale Colors & marking series.
The book is conveniently arranged with each squadron having its own chapter. The start of the book and introduction is an acknowledgment of the many contributors that have provided images and information to be used in a book such as this. A-7 Corsair II Part 2 covers seventeen active and three reserve Squadrons as well as test and evaluation facilities operating the Corsair II.
The Squadrons include:
- VA-22 Fighting Razorcocks
- VA-25 Fist of the Fleet
- VA-27 Royal Maces
- VA-56 Champions
- VA-93 Blue Blazers/Ravens
- VA-94 Mighty Shrikes
- VA-97 Warhawks
- VA-113 Stingers
- VA-122 Flying Eagles
- VA/VFA-125 Rough Riders
- VA-146 Blue Diamonds
- VA-147 Argonauts
- VA-153 Blue Tail Flies
- VA-155 Silver Foxes
- VA-192 Golden Dragons
- VA-195 Dambusters
- VA-215 Barn Owls
- VA-303 Golden Hawks
- VA-304 Firebirds
- VA-305 Hackers/Lobos
- VAQ-34 Flashbacks
- Pacific Coast Test & Evaluation Corsair II’s
- Naval Missile Centre [NMC] – Pacific Missile Test Center [PMTC] Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division [NAWC [WD]]
- Naval Weapons Centre [NWC] – Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division [NAWC [WD]]
- VX-5 Vampires
- Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility [NWEF]
- Naval Strike Warfare Center [NSWC]
The book has over three hundred images and numerous illustrations. The illustrations are mostly detailed drawing of the squadron badges. The sheer breadth of photos is quite astonishing, being accessed from a large number of sources. Colors and Markings is the focus of this book, so don’t expect a walk around. The majority of photos are side profiles accompanied by first class interpretation of each of the photographs. After looking at a few photos and reading the captions you soon get your eye in and start spotting points of interest yourself. It becomes very addictive, so be warned. The images are not just useful for the markings, you can also study the degrees of weathering, underwing loads, flap angles, the hinge join of the wing fold, the steps for the pilot [quite some climb!] The inclusion of the two-seat TA-7C’s of VAQ-34 Flashbacks is a great inclusion.
Finally there are some notes, photos and illustrations of the various warning, safety and informational stencils applied to the Corsair II. Quite a collection of invaluable information in one book.
Conclusions
This is a hugely useful resource of the A-7 Corsair II. It is very informative with a treasure trove of photos. A one stop resource for historian or modeller alike interested in the A-7 Corsair II attached to the US Pacific Fleet. An aircraft spanning three decades, sporting numerous paint finishes from the gray over white with the colorful squadron markings, to the subdued Tactical Paint Schemes towards the end of its service life. If this book doesn't inspire you to delve into your stash and find your Corsair II's and start building, I don't know what will. Highly recommended.
Colors & Markings of the A-7 Corsair II, Part 2: U. S. Navy Pacific Fleet Squadrons and Test & Evaluation Facilities
- Authors: Rock Roszak and Mike Heideman
- Print: 127 pages
- Images: 300+ full color photos.
- ISBN: 979-8-1809829-9-5
As well as print this book is available in digital formats including: Kindle, Apple Book and Kobo eBook.
Purchasing the digital format represents a considerable saving over the printed version. Go over to Amazon to grab yourself a copy.
Many thanks to Detail & Scale for this review copy.
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