Hungarian fighter colours

There is no doubt that plastic modelers are the most prominent customers of aviation publications and one of the favorite subjects is the titles related to the camouflage and markings. And this one will be for sure a jewel for all those who like such a subject. This is the latest book from MMP Books, Hungarian Fighter Colours 1930-1945!

It is not easy at all to give absolute answers on such complex subjects but the authors of this book are true experts in the field and they certainly give maximum output in this project. And the authors are well known researchers Dénes Bernád and Gyorgy Punka. In the introduction of the book is given a nice story how this idea started and the reader gets a bright insight about all the problems faced by the authors to bring the facts into the light. In the same first pages of the book is mentioned all resources and references used for this book as well acknowledgment to all kinds of people who helped and assisted in the research of the subject of the Hungarian camouflage and markings colors. My observation shows that both authors could get a doctoral degree at any university with this level of included data and careful treatment of the relevant data!

Let’s go to the book! It is hard cover book, A4 form, printed in full color! This one belongs to the White series of the MMP Books. The book has 19 chapters and after introduction chapters the story started on page 10 with the chapter named ‘Markings and Codes of Hungarian Aircraft (1919-1945)’ and it includes development of the Hungarian aviation during the period. Focus on the paints was given on next chapter ‘Camouflage and Colours of Hungarian Fighter Aircraft (1930-1945)’ and starting from page 34 you can find there a great amount of info regarding  the paints and manufacturers, with given tables of all material used on aircrafts, mentioned all suppliers . It is very interesting is to see images of paint cans as well as extracts from the paint manufacturer commercials. Just an overall look at this chapter gives us info about the level of the problems the authors had to determinate all paints and process used either on the imported planes as well as locally manufactured. The authors provide also all data related to the method of painting, materials used, provide extract from the official painting instruction as well as images of the preserved airframes with original colors on it. And all of this accompanied with carefully chosen archive images including rare and valuable color images!!

From page 51 starts the next chapter, regarding the variant listings and this leads to a close up and in detail look at the specific aircrafts types. It starts with the Dutch fighter plane Fokker D.XVI (the first Hungarian post WW1 fighter) and the rest of the types presented are Avis (first Hungarian made fighter), Fiat CR. 20, Fiat CR.30, Fiat CR.32, Fiat CR.42, Messerschmitt Bf 109D, Messerschmitt Bf 109E and Messerschmitt Bf 109F. Each plane has its history of service, detailed description on the paintings and all of this with excellent images and top color profiles!

And from page 170 to the last page 188 is given great number of appendixes and useful tables!

Important to mention is that two authors engaged team of illustrators (yes, you read correctly – team of illustrators!!!) to manage all of the different subjects inside book. The same look at the different types inside shows a big variety of the types and manufacturers and it was obvious that on the color work have to be included more authors with their specific knowledge on specific subjects. Color profiles inside are definitely world top work and no matter that many different authors worked on them, they are beautifully balanced and look like a single person had made them. This is absolute proof that the main authors are also excellent managers in release of this project. What is also important to mention is the excellent design and layout of the book. Typography is the science for it self and it is well chosen in this book. Reading is smooth and easy and the fact that authors writing style is great, it gives to the reader excellent relaxing position.

Books like this happen once in a lifetime. With its level of data, material included inside, way how it is presented this book will be the ultimate reference for the Hungarian airplanes in the decades to come. I am fortunate owner of the sample and recommend you to get sample for you.

Big thanks to MMP Books for sample book for review. You may have yours here!

Srecko Bradic