Pen & Sword | FlightCraft #27: Boeing B-17
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher Pen & Sword
Author(s): Ben Skipper
Publishing date: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-3990-8646-2 (Softcover)
Pages: 96
This particular volume (#27) in the series, takes a look at the rather iconic B-17 Flying Fortress. Breaking somewhat from tradition, this particular volume places very heavy emphasis on models rather than on the actual aircraft, though the aircraft elements that are covered, are still quite worthwhile. While the average volume, from my past experience, is roughly 75% aircraft related and 25% model related, this volume is more or less 50/50. Several finished kits from various modelers are offered here, including both 1:72 and 1:48 kits (Airfix, Minicraft, Monogram), and all are reasonably decent depictions, though none are really standouts, but do represent a decent enough cross section of what, with a little effort, can be done with and to some of the various kits i these scales.
Approaching this beast of a warhorse in this fashion, seems to work well here, as there are obviously tons of other sources readily available on this magnificent machine, and is therefore quite agreeable to me.
Pen & Sword, having published tons of books over the years, is really on a roll here with this series, and I heartily approve. Newer volume currently in the works, include the wonderful Boeing B-29 Super Fortress, and I now am really looking forward to that as well.
If your passion tends toward models vs the actual aircraft, this book may well fill your needs rather nicely, and inspire you to tackle a kit or two yourself as well.
Photo Samples
Those with the space to actually display it (and the cash to buy it), can choose from the Hong Kong Models 1:32 kits (B-17G and B-17F), which are really quite gorgeous kits.
Photos of various Fortresses are depicted here, including early prototypes and oddball experimental air-frames, along with some very nice color profiles, as well as the finished kits themselves; plenty to choose from here, for sure.
For those with a passion for the ubiquitous Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, I can highly recommend this volume. Buy a copy, you will not be disappointed.
Summation
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate this book as a solid 10, no question about it. Topping out at a nice 96 pages of B-17 coolness, it's a very nice overall look at a very well known aircraft, and is therefore highly recommended.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Thanks a ton to Casemate, it's a great book to add to the ol' Fortress library.
© Kevin Williams 2024
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This review was published on Monday, January 08 2024; Last modified on Saturday, March 16 2024