The single series of aircraft monographs by MMP, provides modellers and historians with an inexpensive reference for a number of aircraft mainly from WWII. Although there are not many pages, they are packed with the kind of detail that can take some time to reference on the internet and its always handy to have a source of reference sitting on the shelf. Single 35 focuses on the RAF’s Mustang III [P-51B-5-NA] with a full colour profile of the Mustang of Wing Commander Stanisław Skalski. The soft back 24 page book contains scale plans in both 1:72 and 1:48 scales as well as many cutaway drawings, black and white and colour photograph. There are also some excellent colour profiles. Many of the cutaway technical drawings are sourced from Airplane Spare Parts and Maintenance Manuals. The excellent drawings will help modellers that want to add more detail. The quality of the monochrome images is very good. You can pour over the many details to be found. For example, its interesting to see that the invasion stripes have hard edges, the variation of mirrors, the brace in the belly air vent and much more. The colour profiles of W/C Stanislaw Skalski personalised Mustang III [as was the right of any RAF W/Cdr], finishes of the book. All the annotation is in English.

It’s worth mentioning a brief history of Wing Commander Stanislaw Skalski service in the RAF for those unaware of his contribution to the Air War over Europe and North Africa during WWII. He was credited as being the first Allied ace serving with the RAF, becoming the leading Polish ace of the WWII. During the Battle of Britain Skalski was shot down and managed to bail out, though he suffered severe burns. He was hospitalised for nearly two months. In March 1942 he became a flight commander of No. 316 (Polish) Squadron RAF. Later in October 1942 Skalski was given command of the Polish Fighting Team (PFT), or so called ‘Cyrk Skalskiego’ (Skalski's Circus). Taking part in combat operations over North Africa and Sicily. Skalski. He then became commander of No. 601 (County of London) Squadron, the first Pole to command an RAF squadron, returning to the skies over Sicily and taking part in the invasion of Italy. From December 1943 to April 1944 Wing Commander Skalski commanded No. 131 Polish Fighter Wing. On 4 April 1944 he was appointed commander of No. 133 Polish Fighter Wing, flying the Mustang Mk III.

Single No.35 NAA Mustang III [P-51B-5-NA]

Authors: Dariusz Karnas, Zbigniew Kolacha

Illustrator: Dariusz Karnas, Zbigniew Kolacha

ISBN 978-83-66549-51-7

In conclusion I am very impressed with this reference source from MMP. It may have a low page count, but the amount of detail included is very impressive. Its a great source of reference to have handy that doesn’t cost the earth. I was also impressed with the packaging, it wasn’t just placed in a paper envelope, it was also packed in a card book mailer.  Nice one MMP.  Highly recommended.

Many thanks to MMP for the review sample

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