Military Model Scene

Title:  TopDrawings 70, The Soviet Light Bomber Petlyakov Pe-2

Author: Oleg Pomoshnikov

Publisher:  Kagero

ISBN:  978-83-66148-20-8

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The latest addition to the TopDrawings series from Kagero, number 70, and a Russian aviation subject this time. It follows the usual format for this series, with an opening page that provides the basic background information on the time. I must admit, I hadn't known that the designer came up with his new design while in prison, locked up for a perceived failure in an earlier project.

This is followed by 12 pages of 1/48 scale profiles of a whole series of variants as the aircraft evolved over the course of the war. Cross sections, details of cockpit, engines and more, and the changing arrangement of nose glazing. To cater for the plan views, there are 2 separate fold-out sheets tucked into the pages, while the final 7 pages of scale drawings provide the same series of variants, but in 1/72 scale.

The centre pages plus the back cover carry some excellent colour profiles, which suggest a number of different camouflage and marking options. The other element tucked into the book is a small sheet of masks for the transparencies of both the Zvezda 1/48 kit and the Hobby Boss 1/72 kit from Hobby Boss. So another useful modellers reference.

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Another helpful addition to this series from Kagero.

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Distributed by Casemate Books, who kindly provided my review copy.

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Robin