Mikael Forslund Produktion AB

P-35A, AT-12 & P-66 in Swedish Service as J 9, B 6 & J 10

by  Mikael Forslund

Reviewed By  Floyd S. Werner, Jr., IPMS# 26266

MSRP: 300 kr or approx. $50.50 ISBN: 978-91-631-6072-1 www.mikaelforslundproduktion.com/4.html This books release was very serendipitous as I just finished watching "1939 Newsreels" from Victory Films and there is a full color sequence of the units in the Philippines receiving Swedish P-35s. This book just provided me with more information about this aircraft in a unique air force. A hard bound book printed on high quality is written in chronological order. Each aircraft is covered in detail with easy to read text and in photos. Most of the photos are black and white but there are color photos where color photos exist. The photos are very clear and the diorama possibilities are endless. The P-35 is shown from the first time it was tested in Sweden as flown by Alexander de Seversky. The P-35 was designated as the J 9. The photos are large and very clear. Jacqueline Cochran's aircraft is shown as well. There are many detail shots of the P-35 some of the best I've seen. The rivet detail on the wings is impressive to say the least. Everything a modeler needs to do a P-35 is included, cockpit, wings, center section and the narrow passenger compartment. Passenger compartment in a fighter? Yes a small area behind the seat. Thoroughly researched it is obvious to me that Mr. Forslund has a passion for the aircraft. The level of research goes as far as having exerts from Republic Magazine. All the aircraft loss records are included. Camouflage and markings are discussed in depth. I found it interesting is that the camouflage was actually applied over the zinc chromate. Duh, all paint is over the zinc chromate, but the Swedes used the zinc as part of the camouflage with oversprayed with olive green. Some of the Swedish P-35As are seen in the Philippines with their Swedish three crown markings and red, white and blue tail surface. All the aircraft transferred to the USAAF are tracked by disposition and date. Plenty of color photos exist for the J 9, some are very large and extremely useful. The photo recon version of the J 9 is covered as well, even in color. All the Swedish J 9s are tracked from construction until destruction. A Walk around, line drawings and color profiles round out the coverage of the P-35/J 9. Less well known than the P-35/ J 9 is the Seversky Guardsman or B 6/ AT-12. The same treatment given to the J 9 is given to the Guardsman. Essentially an up engined two seat fighter bomber the Guardsman fulfilled the needs of the RSAF. The only remaining B 6/ AT-12 at the Planes of Fame in Chino is seen. Color profiles round out the coverage of the B-6. The final aircraft covered is the J 10 Vultee Vanguard. The Vanguard is not the prettiest airplane but the Vanguard 61 with its streamlined inline engine is very sexy and sleek looking. The re-engined Vultee is covered in detail, the first I've seen of this aircraft. Pilot handbook pages and drawings finish off the section. The final page of the book has pictures of completed models of the three airplanes. This is a nice inspiration for the model builder. These aircraft are fascinating and the level of information in contained in this book makes it essential if you even think you might build or research the P-35, AT-12 or P-66. The quality of the photos, both color and black and white, makes this book perfect for the modeler and the historian. If you like esoteric subjects this book is right up your alley. The level of detail on these under researched aircraft, whether in USAAF or RSAF service, makes this book THE book to have on them. Highly recommended Thanks to Mikael Forslund Produktion AB for the review copy. You can obtain your copy by contacting him directly at www.mikaelforslundproduktion.com/4.html by emailing him at mf.produktion@telia.com . Please tell him that you heard about it here at IPMS/USA.

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