Crécy Publishing | Scooter! The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Story
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher: Crécy Publications
Author(s): Tommy H. Thomason
Publishing date: 2019
ISBN: 978-1-91080-926-6 (Hardcover)
Pages: 280
Crécy is known to be a very respected publisher. Most books from this publisher are thorough and well researched, and this volume is certainly no exception.
Note: This is a new and revised version of the same book originally published by Crécy in 2011.
The author has done an excellent job here of telling the Skyhawk story. initial design and development is covered here, as is the full service life of the aircraft. Included in the book are gobs of color and black and white images of the Skyhawk (Scooter) on the ground and in the air.
As with the majority of titles from this publisher, this is very much a supreme effort, using photos from many varied sources, and there are quite a fair good number of them in this excellent volume. Printed on good quality semi-glossy stock, the photos are quite interesting, highlighting many areas of the air-frame, giving both modelers and aviation enthusiasts alike, a rather fascinating glimpse into this tremendous aircraft, though certainly not a walk around book. Coverage is also given, to a small degree, of various Skyhawks used in the Adversary and Aggressor squadrons, teaching dissimilar air combat training to American and allied pilots.
Numerous publications have been produced over the years dealing with the excellent Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and this volume adds quite nicely to that body of work.
Photo Samples
Lots of data is offered up here; from initial design concepts and philosophy through final manufacturing methods and derivatives. All in all, the Skyhawk has served this nation well, being flown by both the US Navy and Marines to great effect, delivering performance and firepower where needed.
For those of us with a taste for larger scale aircraft models, the old (and somewhat antiquated) Hasegawa kit and Trumpeter kits are generally available, with the Trumpeter kit possibly being the best choice in the long run, though the Hasegawa kit is still quite a valid option.
For those with a passion for the venerable Skyhawk, 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 very respectable 280 pages of fascinating A-4 Skyhawk stuff, it is highly recommended.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Thanks a ton to Casemate, it's truly an outstanding reference book on this diminutive Douglas designed aircraft, really top-notch stuff.
© Kevin Williams 2024
This review was published on Tuesday, April 16 2024; Last modified on Sunday, April 21 2024