Book Reviews
Kiowa in Australian Service, by Gary Byk. Red Roo Models.
By Robin Jenkins. mmpbooks.biz
Apr 11, 2006, 10:30

Number seven in Red Roo’s series on famous Australian aircraft, this latest offering covers the Bell 206B-1/OH-58A Kiowa helicopter that has successfully served with that nation since 1973. As someone without a detailed knowledge of the subject, I cannot comment with authority on the accuracy of the contents; however, the book appears very well researched. The balance of contents is not as good as previous titles such as the Bell P-39 or Buffalo, however, from the modeller’s point of view; there is no section on modelling the subject or improving/detailing current kits (the Italeri 1/72nd kit immediately springs to mind, as do at least 2 large scale radio control kits). This omission spoils what is otherwise an interesting subject profile, with a good selection of photographs in both colour and B+W. The highlight is the section containing detail drawings of various aspects of the helicopter. Included in the book are a selection of colour chips which would be of use to the modeller (which, since they were missing from the review copy, the author cannot comment on).

A book with limited appeal, but well produced - but please reinstate the modelling section in further volumes, Red Roo!

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