The Grumman F6F Hellcat
By Matt Bittner
Author: Richard A Franks
Publisher: Valiant Wings Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-912932-11-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 224
The latest in the Aiframe & Miniature line from Valiant Wings Publishing is on the Grumman F6F Hellcat. Like all Valiant Wings books this is the be-all/end-all title on the subject matter, especially for modelers. It will also interest historians , but since the Airframe & Miniature titles are aimed more towards the modeler, if you want to build any Hellcat model then you must pick this one up.
The book is broken out thusly:
Airframe Chapters
- Prototypes
- Production
- Reconnaissance, Night-fighter, Drones, Test Airframes & Projects
- Camouflage & Markings and Colour Profiles
Miniature Chapters
- Hellcat Kits
- Building a Selection
- Building a Collection
- In Detail: The Hellcat
Appendices
- Hellcat Kits
- Hellcat Accessories
- Decals & Masks
- Bibliography
While the rest of the book is a treasure-trove of information, I always enjoy reading in detail the modeling section. Inevitably the modelers Valiant Wing Publishing has building models give great insight to the kits being reviewed, as well as providing excellent in-general modeling information. The only thing I think they could expand on would be to show a build in 1/144. The Platz kit - re-bagged by Eduard along with their photoetch set for the kit - is very nicely done and I think would be worthy of treatment in this title. I realize I've been sounding like a broken record when it comes to this, but as can be seen by builds around the 'web, 1/144 is truly a scale alive and vibrant.
This book is very highly recommended. My thanks to Valiant Wings Publishing for the book to review.