Martin PBM Mariner
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Naval Fighters 97
Author: Steve Ginter
Publisher: Ginter Publications
ISBN: 978-0-9892583-2-6
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 256
Sometimes it takes a bit of extra impetus to get a book finished, and this is just such a title. While the Martin Mariner is deserving of the Ginter treatment, there were always other naval aircraft out in front of it. When Minicraft pushed their 1/72 Mariner kit up in the production cycle, interest in the plane increased, making this book much more viable. After a concerted effort, the result is this title, easily the definitive Mariner history.
The book begins with the development history of the Mariner, following Martin's evolution in flying boat design. Prior to the prototype Mariner, Martin built a 3/8 scale version, to test the design concept, after which the XPBM-1 was built. The prototype took to the air in early 1939, and the first production example entered Navy service in 1940. The book documents the different PBM variants, from the PBM-1 through to the PBM-5 and PBM-5A. This section also includes extensive photo and drawing coverage of the various components of the Mariner, from the cockpit and interior to engines, landing gear, and flying surfaces.
The technical details of the Mariner only make up half of the book, though, with the rest being filled with the operator's histories. Most of this is of US Navy units, but there are several international operators as well. These include the Netherlands, Uruguay, Argentina, and Australia, as well as some civil operations in Columbia and Portugal. For the US Navy, the book documents each patrol squadron as well as transport, utility, and rescue units. Each unit gets a short writeup and in most cases, multiple photos of Mariners in the specific markings of the unit.
For those who are looking for a good reference to go along with their new Minicraft Mariner kit, this is a must-have book. From the superb in-depth detail coverage in photos to operational marking information, this book has everything you could want. My thanks to Ginter Books for the review copy.