Italian Aces of World War I and Their Aircraft

mossie · 19 March 2006, 02:48 AM

Has anyone a copy of this to advise me if suitable to purchase, given my requirements.

I wanted to know if the aircraft are covered in any detail, high detail 1/72 three views (or better), aircraft specifications and colour profiles.

I'm not that interested in the pilots, but more the aircraft they used, where were the airfields and how they were used.

Bulls_i_ · 19 March 2006, 05:58 AM

I have that book and I think that it is a great addition to anyone's WWI library. However, It does not have any plain(no color) line drawings in any scale. It does have a good many color profiles on Nieuports, Macchi, Hanriots, and SDADs. The most appealing thing about the book is its pictures. They are exceptionally good pictures.

Bulls_i_

Gregvan · 19 March 2006, 07:22 AM

Hi,

I'd just like to second the opinion of Bulls_i_. This is one of the finest books I've seen. No less than 79 different aircraft are portrayed on color profiles, with many plan views and detail views of individual and squadron insignia. Aircraft covered include the Nieuport 11, 17, 17bis and 27bis, the Hanriot Hd.1,Spad 7 and 13, and the lovely Macchi M.5. Yes, there are no scale plans, but the many, many superb photos are absolutely wonderful (and you won't see most of them anywhere else). Most are reproduced to generous proportions (a few line-ups are given a full two-page spread - marvelous!). It's a pity you have little interest in the pilots themselves, as this book contains an amazing amount of detailed and highly personal information about each of the Italian aces. If you're interested in airfields, the book is chock full of great photos and information and has fine maps of the Italian front which gives many of the airfield locations.

One of the authors frequently visits this forum.

Very best regards,

Greg

mossie · 19 March 2006, 09:57 AM

I thank you both for your direct and open answers. Looks like I'll need to add a copy to my library.

Need to make some more space now.

21 March 2006, 07:03 AM

Hi, I completely agree that Italian Aces is an awesome book full of great photos and profiles, and I get it down off the shelf to look at again and again. However if it is technical stuff on the aircraft rather than info on the aces you are seeking I would suggest checking out the Windsock Data Files. I'm sure they have covered most of the types and they may be a better investment for you if funds are limited.

Baron von Tecumseh · 22 March 2006, 09:05 AM

Paulie Walnuts?

stephen · 22 March 2006, 12:11 PM

The indispensable companion book being Dr Martin O'Connor's Air Aces of the Austro Hungarian Empire.