STRATUS Books is continuing its series to publish books on all the aircraft used by the Polish Air Force. This eleventh volume is a pictorial study of the 18 Mig-29s in Polish use from 1989 to 2009. The opening eight pages discuss the history of the purchase and operation of these Mig-29s from Russia and the Czech Republic, as well as the color and markings used by these aircraft. The remainder of the book covers each aircraft with multiple photos, profiles, and, for most of them, color 4-views. Special markings and commemorative schemes are also discussed and illustrated along with badges and other personal markings. There is one chart that lists each aircraft by code number, serial number, camouflage scheme, and notes on each operational history. Another handy chart lists Mig-29 by country (Czech, Russia and Poland) giving us the camouflage colors used in FS numbers. Finally, five large photos at the end of the book cover the cockpit.

If you have an interest in French military aircraft in service at the onset of WW II but have no reference books on the subject, this book is a must. If you have an interest in the subject and have reference books, you will probably want this book, too. This work covers France’s combat aircraft – fighters, bombers, reconnaissance and observation types – that were in service with the Armée de l’Air from 1939 until 1942. The FORWARD sets the stage and explains the purpose of the book by stating, “It is a general overview of the machines, either made in France or bought abroad and used by the Armée de l’Air between September 1939, when the Second World War started, and November 1942 when French military aviation which the Armistice convention had finally authorized to continue was disbanded.”

This comprehensive decal sheet covers nine F-104Gs, four TF-104Gs, and twelve F-16As. A couple of the F-16 schemes are for the same aircraft serving with different squadrons, so although the serial number on the tail is the same, the squadron badge is different. The title of the sheet indicates that it contains markings for both the F-16A and B, but there are no F-16B aircraft depicted in the instructions. Color density and registration appears to be very good. A full set of stencils is provided for the F-104 and a four-view drawing is included to aid in placement. There are no stencils provided for the F-16s. The recommended kits are the Hasegawa (F-104, TF-104, F-16) and Kinetic (F-16) offerings, so F-16 stencils should be available from those kits.

The markings offered are:

I've always been a fan of the Gladiator and certainly in my eyes she is still one of the best looking biplane fighters ever produced. When I saw the chance to give this book a read and review I jumped on it. I'm very glad that I did. My initial flip through of the book left me speechless. The publication is printed on thick paper stock and is wrapped in a beautiful glossy cover complete with a sweet photo of a Gladiator touching down in a perfect 3-point landing.

The first 10 page chapter of the book includes a brief rundown of each of the known Gladiator survivors and a photo of each. I found this information to be very interesting although a couple of airframes only warranted a paragraph or two due to the fact little is known of its history. The second 13 page chapter of the book runs though the Gladiators operations manual step by step. This section is an interesting read if for nothing else to see what is required to keep this wonderful aircraft flying.

The Westland Lysander army co-operation, special operations, and liaison aircraft entered service in June 1938 to replace the Hawker Hector. With a high wing layout and large greenhouse view, the Lysander also featured great control at low speeds, as well as the ability to take off and land from small air strips and roads. The Lysander was cutting edge for its time; it played a vital role in getting supplies and personnel into remote locations quickly and efficiently.

The Kit – What’s in the box

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