This book is a photographic look at classic prop-driven water bombers, cargo carriers, and prop aircraft activities in South America. Some of the aircraft covered in volume two are the Catalina, Mars, CL-215, Conair Firecat (Grumman S-2), A-26, P2V, C-46 and more.

Chapter one is a photo essay on the various ex-warplanes and civil airliners that now make their living as fire bombers. Almost half of the book is devoted to these aircraft. I particularly enjoyed the photo coverage of the Martin Mars and other former warplanes converted to battle man’s oldest enemy, fire!

Chapter two covers Russian and Chinese built aircraft, with large photo coverage of the AN-2. In addition to the Colt, we are presented with photos of IL-18, An-8 and 24s, and Xian Y-7s.

Chapter three covers operations in South America. Here are some classic C-46s and DC-3s. Also photographically covered are more modern Soviet designs used in South America.

History

The Austro-Hungarian Phönix C.1 two-seat biplane was one of the lesser-known aircraft of World War I, primarily because it was so late in getting into unit service. Designed and produced by the Phönix organization, the prototype first flew in June, 1917, but production models didn’t enter service until March, 1918. The C.1 was a compact two-seater powered by a six cylinder Kiero 230 hp. water cooled engine, and was armed with two machine guns, one firing forward and one in a flexible mount in the rear cockpit. The airplane was fast, although a few of them were shot down by their main adversaries, the Italians. Fewer than 100 were delivered up to the Armistice in 1918. Postwar, the aircraft was ordered by the Swedes and, although 41 were ordered, only 26 were actually built and delivered. The plane served mainly as an advanced trainer throughout the twenties, some lasting until 1935. Later Swedish C.1s were powered by Hispano engines.

Ed “Big Daddy” Roth was one of the greatest hot rodders of all time. Starting in the early1950s, his customs and show cars have become the stuff of legend. The Outlaw was his first use of fiberglass and, when it hit the car show circuit in 1960, it became an instant sensation. Thanks to Roth’s deal with Revell, the Outlaw lives on along with many of his other creations. Revell has seen fit to release it once again; let’s take a look at it.

Designed by Jack Northrop and built by his company, the YB-49 symbolized the culmination of his work with flying wing designs that began with the N-1M when he started his company in 1939. There were a total of three of these aircraft that actually took to the air, two YB-49s and a single YRB-49A. All were converted from XB-35 airframes, trading in the four Pratt and Whitney R-4360 engines and counter-rotating propellers for eight Allison J-35-A-15 jet engines on the YB-49, or in the case of the YRB-49A, six Allison J-35-A-19 jet engines. The aircraft was 172 feet across, 53 feet 1 inch in length, and stood 15 feet 3 inches tall.

Thanks once again to our friends at Revell for re-releasing the largest static Huey model kit once again and providing IPMS/USA a copy to review! We certainly appreciate the opportunity…

A bit of history: This kit is a re-release of the former Monogram 1/24th UH-1B “Visible Huey.” Originally released in 1970, it is said supposedly to have been a one-time run due to low sales. That’s sad, because it’s a really great kit of a great aircraft, and the operating features actually worked well. I have provided pictures of my built-up visible Huey next to the new release version for those of you who have not seen one. (It is not for sale, and many parts shown are NOT in the review kit….I provide these pictures for comparison only). I’ve seen these go for over $600 as collector items.