This book comes in the now familiar red cover with type photo and follows the series normal format. The XB-46 was one of four entries into the competition for a jet-powered medium bomber. They were along with the XB-46; the North American XB-45, Boeing XB-47 and Martin XB-48. Boeing was allowed to use swept-wing research captured from the Germans on their design.

Of the other three straight winged designs the XB-45 was the winner and received a production order. That being said Convair’s XB-46 was one of the most beautiful and elegant straight wing jet designs ever conceived. The long thin 113 foot Davis wing and 105 foot cylindrical fuselage combination was most aesthetically pleasing.

The book begins with the development of the design and construction. Paying strict attention to the details, including a full range of cockpit detail photographs, other crew position area as well as aircraft systems from pneumatic to fuel to weapons to engines.

The volume concludes with the flight testing from April 1947 to November 1950, after which the nose was removed and the aircraft scrapped. As with all Ginter books the last page covers modeling. Unless there is an obscure vacuform kit out there, the only options available to the modeler are resin kits both from Anigrand. These are offered in 1/72 and 1/144.

I really enjoyed this book as I have all Ginter series book and there is a good bit of information within its pages. There is enough to aid one that might wish to scratch build his own, or to super detail the existing Anigrand kits! Modeler and aviation buff alike will find a lot to like in this book!

Our thanks to Ginter Publications for the review copy and my thanks to IPMS/USA for the review opportunity