Russian Aviation Colours
1909-1922 Vols.1 & 2

by Marat Khairulin and Boris Stepenov

MMP Books

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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This new book from Mushroom Models Publications is a hard cover publication in A4 size format.  Volume 1 contains 174 while Volume 2 contains 176 pages packed with information, photographs and color plate details.  The quality of paper, photographs and printing is excellent. 

The publications describe the history of the little known aircraft, emblems and distinctive markings of Russian military aviation from its early origins up to the Russian exit from World War One. 

The authors have managed to collect, and in some cases partially reconstruct the majority of emblems and markings used in Russia during this period by military aviation units.  The collected material is presented in a clear and attractive form – colour plates, reconstructed logos, and original photographs from both public and private archives. 

The books are profusely illustrated and cover all aircraft used, with brief details of the aircraft and their service use, and comprehensively details of the colours and markings that they carried. 

Besides the many photographs provided there are full colour plates provided to illustrate the markings applied.  There are some very obscure aircraft types used by Russia in the early 1900s and some mainstream types such as the Voisin, Farman and Nieuport, Spad illustrated throughout the books. 

Detailed colour notes and precise descriptions and illustrations of national markings across the period complete two books that will be invaluable to aircraft enthusiasts, historians and modelers.

A fascinating look at a previously little known part of the history of these Russian aircraft and their markings.  To my knowledge these are the only publications detailing this particular subject.

Highly recommended

Thanks to MMP Books  for the sample.

All MMP Books are available direct from the publishers, who now accept credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Switch)  

North American distributors are MMD, Australian distributors are Platypus Publications. In Europe, the books are available from any good bookshop (via our UK distributors, Orca). Contact MMP direct in case of difficulties. 

Thanks to Roger at MMP Books  for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2017 by Mick Evans
This Page Created on 27 February, 2017
Last updated 28 February, 2017

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