Steve Pace

I found this to be an interesting volume. I didn't particularly care for the layout of the book and while I am not a modeler and appreciated the scratch-built model described, If I was a modeler, I would not have been happy with that chapter. If you're looking for a "Guns and Glory" recounting of the P-51......look elsewhere.
As far as the anatomy of a Mustang? The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. The descriptions of the aircraft are very good. Operational use also gets a nod and show more is covered fairly well. I was very pleased to see the acknowledgment of the XP-46A data which is not well known and I learned about the subsequent lawsuit as well. It was typical of the little known facts laced throughout the book.
The appendices with the reports are gold as well as the report on British use of the early Allison P-51 for interdiction. This should be required reading for the V1710 critics and any Merlin fanboi.
I am particularly pleased by the level of the coverage on the H model and the lightweight mustangs as well.
Was it the ultimate one volume library on the P-51? No, but it fills in a lot of gaps and is a very welcome addition to my library.
Recommended for anyone interested in the Mustang, and RAF Rhubarb ops. show less

Extraordinarily Well Rounded For An Early Air Force Legends

First, the one disappointment was a lack of in-flight photographs of the XF-88B with the turboprop running.

However, Mr. Pace did include an engineering paper written by the design team for public presentation as a "lessons learned" which included areas on afterburner development (At time when engine manufacturers left that up to the airframe designers.), the structural problems from underestimating weight, and swept wings with drop show more tanks being a bad idea.
Also included were brief reviews of the XF-88 competitors the Lockheed XF-90 and North American XF-93, so overall the reader is perhaps unintentionally gifted with some fairly decent literature and insight into the problems of designing long range jets between 1945 and 1950. The monograph follows the normal Ginter layout with good cockpit illustrations, drawings, etc. Compared to some other Air Force Legends volumes there is a dearth of structural detail illustrations, but in my opinion is made up for by the quality of the illustrations that were used. Beware there is a minor error on page 28 with the profile title misidentifying the engine.

While modelers may only get some limited value, this monograph is well illustrated and recommended for anyone with an interest in early USAF jets. show less

If I needed to buy one book that was an outstanding introduction to the experimental aircraft and engines of the USAF, this would be it.
There is just enough coverage on paper airplanes and black programs to retain the interest of the knowledgeable and plenty of text for those new to the subject. And, I did enjoy the artwork.

HOWEVER, if you have an extensive library on the USAF, there is no need to add this book to your library.

Aside from the editing issues mentioned in other reviews, the show more only other criticism I can level is personal. I did not care for the watermarking of the pages.
This book would make an excellent gift for someone who is just starting to develop a serious interest in aircraft.

Please note that I do like the book and have enjoyed reading it. Utilizing the "star" rating and my reading preferences it is an okay book. If your library is lacking, this is an excellent first time buy. show less

the text is disjointed and not well-organized. There's very little text and the photos are abundant but not terribly impressive. The vintage pictures of the Connie in commercial service are basically not-terribly-good reproductions of the famous shots we've all seen before. (i.e. the cover shot). The rest are photos that presumably the author took himself fairly recently of restored / derelict Connies at Pima and other places. Also, there's an over-concentration on military show more variants…
Elegant and graceful, the curvaceous Lockheed Constellation remains one of the most sought after aircraft on todays airshow circuit. Designed by Lockheeds legendary Kelly Johnson, the Connies triple tails are reminders of the glory days of the big propliners. Piston-powered and propeller-driven, the Constellation, Super Constellation and Starliner series of aircraft are profiled here in both civilian and military dress, and in domestic and foreign markings. show less