Military Model Scene

Title: Ilyushin Il-2
Author: Wojciech Zmyslony
Publisher: Stratus
ISBN: 978-83-66549-99-9

Number 33 in the Polish Wings series from Stratus, a Polish based publisher, and distributed here by Casemate. A 96-page soft-cover book.
Packed with material this is another fine addition to the Polish Wings series. With an introduction which sets out the background, it makes it clear how the IL-2, the famous Shturmovik, although it was known by different names while in Polish service. Both the straight and swept wing versions of the 2-seater variants were used by the Poles. All this is explained, along with their service in the last year or two of WW2, as a number of Polish personnel went to Russia rather than western Europe, and they fought on against Germany alongside the Russians. It starts with detail that will interest the aviation historian, but I suspect even more valuable to the modeller. It sets out the camouflage colours both during WW2 and after, along with National markings, unit markings, aircraft codes, and even maintenance codes. Then there are the specific units, their organisation and usage. The Il-2 continued to serve after the war and used for a wide variety of mission types. The bulk of the book though is taken up with a host of archive photos and lots of colour profile artwork which illustrate all the detail given in the text, and all with detailed captioning which adds even more detail to the overall story. At the end, it is rounded off with reference to 2 examples held in Polish museums, though only one of these is still remaining and on display.
This adds another well known aircraft type to the list of types used by the Polish Air Force in WW2 and beyond. It is also very clearly aimed at the aviation modeller as the details on colours and markings are an invaluable reference. Well worth adding to your reference shelf I'd suggest.
Thanks to Casemate UK for the review copy.

Robin