Ian K Baker's Aviation History Colouring Book Issue No's 44, 45, 46

Number 44 - Green Splotches, White Splotches - Another look at USAAF camouflage 1942-1943

It's fairly well known that at the end of 1942 the USAAF introduced a new(ish) camouflage scheme for its front-line aircraft. This consisted of an irregular series of Medium Green Splotches over the standard Olive Drab upper surfaces. Many American aircraft (notably P-40s) which reached the RAAF carried the scheme. What is not as well known, and what I have not seen collected together in one source before, is the nature and extent to which the scheme was used. AHCB 44 collates the available information as to Splotched (an official term - see USAAF T.O. 07-1-1 of 15 June 1943, quoted on p.2 of AHCB 44) finishes, dealing with their origins, styles and application. The second part of the volume deals with the Seasearch scheme introduced by the USAAF after America's entry into WWII to reduce the visibility of anti-submarine patrol aircraft. The scheme involved the application of Insignia White to aircraft undersides, extending in some cases to an irregular pattern along the leading and trailing edges of wings and tail surfaces and up fuselage sides.

The volume is, as always, packed with useful information, and illustrated by no less than 17 sets of drawings in Ian's usual style.

Number 45 - Kingfisher Collection

Aviation History Colouring Book (AHCB) 45 is the result of a collaboration between Ian K. Baker and Bill Devins from the Seaplane SIG of IPMS/USA. It deals in a most comprehensive manner with the in-service finishes applied to the Vought OS2U Kingfisher, covering some 34 different schemes applied to the type in service with the USN, US Coast Guard, RAAF, ANARE, the RN FAA, the Soviet Navy and the air forces of Chile, Mexico and Uruguay. The research for these was done by Bill for the most part, with Ian doing the drawings in his usual style. These are backed up by a set of colour notes giving FS, BS, Methuen and Pantone references for all colours involved, and a comprehensive list of published references.

The volume is in the standard AHCB layout, and as usual crams an amazing amount of information into a very small space. The modeller looking for a different scheme for a Kingfisher would be hard pressed not to find inspiration here!

Number 46 - Kiwi Kittyhawks and Corsairs - RNZAF fighter camouflage and markings 1942-1948

This volume goes back to the good old days when New Zealand had an air force which included fighters ... It deals with the several schemes applied to the RNZAF's fighter aircraft between Japan's entry into WWII and the withdrawal of the Corsair from NZ service after New Zealand ceased to be involved in the British Commonwealth Occupation Force's air component in Japan in 1948. As with No 44, this volume contains a great deal of information not previously gathered together in a single source (and much of it never before published). Again, it is written in the usual informative AHCB style backed up with profuse illustration of the variations involved. It includes a comprehensive list of references, and is a most useful source of information for anyone wishing to model a Kiwi fighter from the period.

The two volumes add to the already fine reputation of AHCB, and will be valuable additions to the library of any modeller and/or aviation historian.

The above books are obtainable from Ian at 31A Mercer Street Queenscliff Vic 3225, Australia or from specialist modelling outlets such as Snowy Mountains Models, Aeroworks or Just Planes, or from the AWM bookshop in Canberra.

The above reviews are courtesy of the Australian Plastic Modeller's Association (APMA)