Military Model Scene

Title: Pacific Profiles Vol 8
Author: Michael John Claringbould
Publisher: Avonmore
ISBN: 978-0-645-34694-0

We have reached volume 8 in this marvellous series of references on Japanese aircraft in WW2. In this case it focuses on the IJN Floatplanes used in the South Pacific during the period 1942-1944. A 124-page small format soft-cover book.
At the heart of this book, as with others in the series, is the collection of first class colour profile artwork done by the author, all based on his own research in Japanese records, wartime colour images and post-war surveys. It provides detailed coverage of 7 different seaplane types, many variations of each one. In total there are 76 excellent profiles. Each of them has more detailed information in notes on each one. Each also has the correct name and designation for the aircraft, while I still smile at the Allied reporting names used for them, such as Pete, Jake, Alf and Dave among others. The 17 chapters cover topics such as pre-war markings, area organisations, the units assigned to various ships (seaplane tenders), some independent units. a chapter that covers those aircraft assigned to battleships, cruisers, and minelayers, and finally one specific to submarines. With basic details of the history of the units and their individual aircraft, including colours and markings as well as changes in organisation which took place during the course of the war.
In addition to the super profiles there are maps, showing where these floatplanes operated from and their main bases, along with plenty of archive photos which offer some great ideas for modeller. With the large areas of ocean and smaller islands, the floatplane was a natural fit for operations in the South Pacific, far more so than we experienced in the war here in Europe. This is another rather super book in my view.
Thanks to the distributors, Casemate UK, for the review copy.

Robin