The single series of aircraft monographs by Mushroom Model Publications [MMP], provides modellers and historians with an inexpensive reference for a number of aircraft. Although there are just twenty-four pages, they are packed with the kind of detail that modellers are always looking for. It’s always handy to have a source of reference sitting on the shelf.
Single 40 focuses on the McDonnell F-4B Phantom II [early and late models] operated by the US Navy and US Marine Corps. The soft back book contains three pages of 1:72 scale plans providing six views of the Phantom II. There are around sixty-one photographs, fourteen of which are in colour. The quality of both the monochrome and colour images is excellent. There is a good mix of inflight and non-flight images with an extensive range of Squadron markings. There are close up shots providing a wealth of detail. Quite striking are the photos taken with a raking light, highlighting the surface panels. The sheer number of stencils adorning the surface is very apparent on some of the shots. The variation between the AN/ALQ-126 and the AN/APR-30 jammer on the nose is apparent. Also the variations on the vertical tail of the early and late versions of the F-4B. There are photos of the front undercarriage leg extended for extra lift at take-off. Of value is the image showing the heat discoloration on the unpainted panels aft of the two jet exhausts. All the photographs are annotated [in English] with lots of additional information.
Modellers will certainly find the couple of pages dealing with both cockpits of the early and late F-4B very useful. The two types of Martin Baker seat are also covered: the MB Mk.H5 and the MB Mk.H7.
There is also three-view profile by Janusz Światłoń over two pages at the back of the book. The subject is an F-4B of VF-51 the ‘Screaming Eagles’.
Single No. 40 McDonnell F-4B Phantom II
Authors: Przemysław Skulski
Illustrator: Janusz Światłoń
ISBN 978-83-66549-79-1
Format: A4 pb, 24 pages (6 in colour)
Price: £9 from MMP
Conclusion
Single No.40 F-4B Phantom II from MMP is an impressive source of reference material. It might only have twenty-four pages, but it’s packed with many images. The kind of detail that modellers require all in a handy soft covered book and a reference that doesn’t cost the earth. I was also impressed with the packaging, it wasn’t just placed in a paper envelope, it was packed in a card book mailer. Nice one MMP. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to MMP for the review sample
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