Military Model Scene

Title: Miles M.25 Martinet T.T.Mk I
Author: Jans Forsgren
Publisher: MMP Books
ISBN: 978-83-67227-57-5

A 60-page soft-cover book in their Yellow series from MMP Books, distributed by Script Books, and devoted to the story of the Miles Martinet, the first purpose built target tug for the RAF.
Beginning with an introduction to set the scene, there is then some background to the RAF acquiring their first target tug that was created with that purpose in mind. Previously, worn out service aircraft were re-purposed. Made from non-strategic materials (ie Wood), the Martinet was designed and built by the Miles Aircraft Co at Woodley airfield in Berkshire. The book sets out the design and basic characteristics, powered by a Bristol Mercury radial engine, a design which was based on the Miles Master advanced trainer, which was already in service. As well as the technical characteristics of the aircraft, there are 7-pages with scale plans in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales, plus a copy of the page from the Pilot's Notes illustrating the cockpit controls and instrument panel. It goes on to give details of the RAF and Royal Navy service of the Martinet, and the many squadrons/units which operated them. Once the war was over it was not the end for service for the Martinet. We hear about their use in service with the Belgian, French, Portuguese and Irish air forces, along with civilian operators in Sweden, and one in particular, in Iceland. The example used in Iceland crops up again at the end of the book as despite having crashed, the wreck was acquired by the Museum of Berkshire Aviation in Woodley, Berkshire, where they were built. The book shows it partly restored, back in 2011. I am a volunteer at the Museum these days, and have the pleasure of seeing this last surviving example of the Martinet in completed condition and on display in the museum. The final 6 pages of the book feature some excellent colour profile artwork, providing great references and inspiration for modellers.
I have already mentioned that I volunteer at the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, so it is great to see this neatly done history of the Miles Martinet, and our own example in particular, being the only remaining complete example from the 1725 that were built. With a lot of archive photos throughout the book, showing lots of detail of the aircraft, this new title dedicated to the Miles Martinet is a real pleasure to see, and of course one I will recommend.
Thanks to distributors Script Books and MMP for the review copy.

Robin