Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 41 : American Volunteer Group Colours and Markings

The American Volunteer Group, or 'Flying Tigers', have remained the most famous outfit to see action in World War 2. Manned by volunteers, and flying American aircraft acquired from the British, the AVG fought bravely in the face of overwhelming odds in China and Burma prior to the US entry into World War 2. Pilots such as 'Pappy' Boyington, R T Smith and John Petach became household names due to their exploits against the Japanese Army Air Force. When describing his motivation for producing this unique document, the author perfectly sums up the appeal of this book; 'About ten years ago I decided to build a model of a "Flying Tiger" Tomahawk, a subject probably every American boy since the war has built at one time or another, or at least thought of building.'. American interest in the AVG seems to know no bounds, and this book would be available during the 60th anniversary years of the 'Flying Tigers'. Although of greatest value to the hobbyist, the work also serves as a historical document in itself due to the author's discussion of the various actions that pilots and their aircraft were involved in. A follow-on book on the AVG in the standard Aces format and style will be produced to complement this book in 2002, reusing much of the artwork contained within this book. Text by Terrill J. Clements with illustrations by Jim Laurier.