Brequet 27, Potez 39, Mureaux 115/117
By Matt Bittner
Author: José Fernandez
Publisher: Stratus
ISBN #: 978-83-61421-77-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 80
The French Wings series from Stratus Publications has showcase between-the-war aircraft types flown by France that other publishers haven't tackled. The first book in the series was on the Latécoère 290 & 298 while the second was on Nieuport-Delage Ni-D 29 and 62. Stratus continues in this series, with the same author, thankfully, by publishing a book on two-seaters.
The first covered in the book is the Breguet 27, an unusual looking aircraft with the rear "fuselage" more of a "boom" than anything else. It is mentioned in the book why this is, which is why this book is a must. Not only does it cover the usual when it comes to the three aircraft, but also items that most would not think of. Some might call it "ugly" but I personally find the looks of the Breguet 27 intriguing enough to always wanted to perform further research on it. The publication of this book definitely helps. Not only does the section on the Breguet 27 cover French usage but other countries as well.
The second aircraft covered is the Potez 39 and its derivatives. One excellent aspect of these publications from Stratus is the use of color profiles and how most of these are presented on the same page (or page opposite) has a photo of the actual aircraft being profiled. A definite excellent touch. There are plenty of color profiles of the Potez 39 to keep the modeling-mouth salivating.
Finally the book concentrates on the Mureaux 115/117 and its early siblings. While the Mureaux was primarily built for reconnaissance there was a contract put out for bomber versions of these aircraft although they rarely carried bombs – in fact there are no photos within the book showing bombs attached. Even though it's interesting to know that there were other uses for the aircraft.
Since I primarily build 1/72, I know of that modeling world. For the Breguet 27 Azur released both the "standard" version along with the later one with the enclosed cockpit. Unfortunately there are no kits of the Potez 39 but Heller and Aerofile did the Mureaux 113, 115 and 117. Unfortunately I have not seen the Aerofile kits and the Heller 117 is not accurate.
If there are modeling companies reading this, the 1/72 modeling world really could really use accurate kits of the Potez and Mureaux aircraft this book deals with. There were enough of the "real" aircraft built I don't think this would be a total waste of time.
In fact, there is one page someone could use to scan the emblems of the recce squadrons covered in this book to produce decals. They are presented in color and are really well done.
Unfortunately there is one complaint I have had with this series and continue to have: there are no scale drawings at all of any of the aircraft. If these were provided then you would have everything you need in one publication for building these aircraft. However, even with their elimination I definitely recommend these books. Nowhere else are you going to find publications on French 'tweeners.
My thanks to Casemate Publishing for the review copy.