This book, covering the SBD Douglas Dauntless, is #13 (of 19 published to date) of a reference series devoted to famous WWII aircraft. It is published by Kagero Publishing (Poland). The book begins with excellent WWII era black and white cockpit pictures of the pilot's cockpit, though there are no pictures of the gunner's area. Next comes 4 pages of color paintings of a US Navy SBD-3 (USS Yorktown, Battle of Midway 1942), a USAAF A-24B, two late 1940's French navy SBD-5s, a US Navy SBD-5 (USS Lexington, 1945), a Mexican AF SBD-5 (1944), and finally a yellow wings US Marine SBD-1(1940).

The book provides both 48th and 72nd scale decals for the yellow wings US Marine Dauntless SBD-1, VMB-2 squadron (Red Devils): section leader (2-MB-13) of the 6th section (willow green fuselage, cowl, and wing bands). The final section of the book consists of 14 pages of detailed 48th scale line drawings of SBD-1 through SBD-5, including early and late versions. The drawings include front, rear, port and starboard, cross-section, and top and bottom views. Additionally, weapons and landing gear drawings are provided in 32nd scale. The last 2 pages of drawings provide the changes for each version in 72nd scale.

Aviation model builders and historians will enjoy this book. I am currently building a 48th scale SBD-2, and using the line drawings and pictures to ensure accuracy in my model build. Thanks to Kagero Publishing for the opportunity to review References for Modelers #13 Douglas SBD Dauntless.