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• Hyperscale.com • 2013-03-16
• Airfix Model World • 2013-03-16
• InsternetModeler.com • 2013-03-16
• Model Aircraft 09/2011 • 2013-03-16
• SAMI vol. 17/6 • 2013-03-16
• IPMS UK Magazine 05/2011 • 2013-03-16
• Aeroplane 12/2011 • 2013-03-16
• Scaleplasticandrail.com • 2013-03-16
• Cybermodeler.com • 2013-03-16
• ModelingMadness.com • 2013-03-16
• www.aerostories.org • 2013-03-16
• Air Modeler 36 • 2013-03-16
• MiniReplika Nr 70 • 2011-05-23

• Hyperscale.com • 2013-03-16

  Review Type: First Read

  Advantages:

  A very useful modellers reference, lots of photographs and great information on colour schemes including ex-German MiG-29Gs and MiG-29UB trainers

  Disadvantages:

  Limited text but sufficient to convey the point.

  Conclusion:

  A great book not only for those interested in the Polish Air Force or who wants to model a MiG-29 (9-12) aircraft in general thanks to the wide selection of detail walk around style photographs. The Author is on his home turf and a very useful modelling reference has resulted.

  Reviewed by Ken Bowes

  FirstRead

  Following on from Part 1 of the MiG-29 books which covered the original MiG-29 fleet as purchased direct from Russia in the late 1980s, this volume in the Polish Wings series covers more recent events including the purchase from Germany of their surplus MiG-29G fleet in the early 2000s after rejecting a Russian offer for new generation upgraded aircraft.

  The first three pages cover the history of this purchase before turning to the subject aircraft in detail. Like Part 1 this book is clearly intended to be a reference of value to modellers. The majority of the book compromises comprehensive photo coverage of Polish MiG-29s, with a limited number of pages of text and tabulated data.

  The author has taken a logical approach of looking at each airframe in turn, with some photos and four views of them in their original German markings followed by a range of photos of the aircraft in Polish squadron service. It is an easy to follow method and contrasts greatly the relatively poor material condition of the German airframes prior to regeneration by the WZL-2 aircraft works and Polish Air Force Technical Institute. The second half of the book covers the operation of the MiG-29UB trainer and covers both Polish acquired, ex-Czech and ex-German airframes.

  For both subjects (the German MiG-29Gs and all the MiG-29UBs) the majority of the photos are overall shots of airframes and serve to document camouflage and markings over the period of operations. These are supported by detailed colour four view and side profiles along with close up photos and drawings of the unique markings applied to the airframe along with a table of Federal Standard colour cross references. The final three pages provide some excellent large format colour shots of the cockpit area for the super detailers.

  In conjunction with Part 11 of the Polish Wings series it appears that most MiG-29 aircraft that have seen Polish Air Force Service are represented in this book along with all the variations of colour schemes applied. Whilst an extremely narrow subject, PAF MiG-29s carry some attractive schemes which alone makes the book worthwhile. Add the extra detail that can be extrapolated from the numerous photographs and this becomes an excellent reference for anyone wanting to model a MiG-29 Fulcrum. One final note for modellers, the Polish decal firm Techmod is cited inside the front cover as preparing decal sheets to cover Polish MiGs. A quick check of their website indicates they have yet to be released but it is a development worth monitoring if you want a Polish MiG-29 in your collection.

• Airfix Model World • 2013-03-16
  
• InsternetModeler.com • 2013-03-16

  By Chris Banyai-Riepl

  The Polish Wings series offers a great reference on Polish aviation, and the series recently covered the MiG-29. With that first volume out, many were eagerly awaiting the second volume, and here it is. This volume covers the Polish acquisition of former Luftwaffe MiG-29s in the late 1990s.

  For those not familiar with the Polish Wings series, this book provides a detailed description of the disposition of the aircraft, including a table summarizing the individual airframes. In addition to the text, the book has plenty of photographs, showing the overall aircraft as well as detail photos. This makes this book an excellent reference for modelers. In addition to the photos, there are color illustrations of the aircraft, both in Polish and German service.

  Combined with the first volume, this Polish Wings series on the MiG-29 is an excellent reference on the Fulcrum, both in Polish service and in general. The detailed photos, interesting text, and colorful illustrations make for an attractive book that will have modelers itching to build a Polish Fulcrum. My thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review copy.

• Model Aircraft 09/2011 • 2013-03-16
  
• SAMI vol. 17/6 • 2013-03-16
  
• IPMS UK Magazine 05/2011 • 2013-03-16
  
• Aeroplane 12/2011 • 2013-03-16
  
• Scaleplasticandrail.com • 2013-03-16

  The Mikoyan Mig-29 'Fulcrum' has given excellent service with several airforces since its introduction to the Soviet air force in 1983. Designed to combat newer American fighters such as the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and the McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle, it remains in service today and remains a popular aircraft amongst its pilots.

  MMP have previously published a volume in their "Polish Wings" series which covered the history of the Mig-29s obtained from the Soviet Union in 1989-90 and those from the Czech Republic in 1995. Now, we have volume 2 in this series, which examines the history of the 22 aircraft obtained from the German Bundesluftwaffe in 2002-4, along with the story of the Mig-29UB two seaters flown by the Polish Air Force.

  The presentation style of these books is slightly different to many of the excellent MMP publications in that, apart from the opening stages of the book where the histories of the aircraft are examined, it then almost becomes a photo-reference volume, being full of photographs of all of the serving aircraft at varying stages of their careers, backed up with a large number of colour profiles. Text then only plays an explanatory role. This means it becomes the ideal reference book for modellers or aviation historians interested in these Polish aircraft.

  I will now present a sample of the contents, as is my wont. First, there is a selection of photos and profiles of aircraft 4111, 4117 and 4118, including photographs of them showing their German origin; (below)

  aircraft 4107 and 4101, including views of the wheeled PAF ladder sometimes used with their aircraft (above); aircraft 4119 emblazoned in an incredible special scheme from 2002 (below);

  aircraft 4103 at various stages of its career (above); some good aerial shots of aircraft 4104 and 4120 (below);

  And, finally, Mig-29UB no. 15 in its own gaudy celebratory scheme from 2009 (above).

  This is an excellent reference on the type and modellers will be interested to note that decals covering some of the schemes will be released in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 by Techmod of Poland at some point. As a subject, it may find more overall interest in mainland Europe, but I cannot but applaud the quality of the contents of the book.

  So What Do We Think?

  An excellent second book on Polish Mig-29s. It is difficult to image a more thorough volume appearing on the subject. It may not have the highest popularity in the UK but will sell well across Europe.

  An excellent research source

• Cybermodeler.com • 2013-03-16

  By Ray Mehlberger

  Date of Review April 2011

  Stratus is based in Sandomierz Poland. They print books for Mushroom Model Publications based in the UK in the English language as well as their own line of books in both Polish and English. This book was sent to me by Stratus.

  This is the latest volume in the popular “Polish Wings” (Polskie Skrzydla” series, this book continues the story of the MiG-29 in Polish service that was stated in Polish Wings No. 11. This new volume covers the ex-East German aircraft obtained from the Luftwaffe in 2002. Both single and two-seat versions, and the two-seat MiG-29UB’s bought from the Czech Republic earlier.

  The many and varied color schemes and markings applied to these aircraft in Poland are described and illustrated, with many color photos and superb color artworks.

  It is complete with histories of all the airframes, and detail shots of the cockpits and other areas of the airframe. An essential guide to Polish use of these iconic modern fighters, for aviation enthusiasts, historians and modelers.

  The book is in paperback and is in 96 pages in 8 ½” x 11” format.

  The book announces upcoming decals of MiG-29’s shown in these 2 volumes, which will be in 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/32nd scales. The cover arts for 4 other Polish Wings books is shown on the index page. Two of these books are already available: Polish Wings no. 11 which is the first volume on the MiG-29 and Polish Wings no. 13 on the Spitfire IX,1942-1943. The other 2 cover arts shown are for forthcoming books: Polish Wings no. 14 on the Mi 14PL, Mi 14PS & Mi 14PL/R helicopters and Polish Wings no. 15 on the Supermarine Spitfire IX, 1944-1946.

  The book contains 98 color photos of MiG-29 variants and 9 photos of the cockpit interiors of these.

  For color profiles there are:

  17 profiles of the MiG-29G, one 3-view & four 4-views

  5 profiles of the MiG-29UB & three 4-views

  3 profiles of the MiG-29GT & one 4-view

  Several of these are very spectacular special schemes. The book also has several data listings.

  This book is an essential guide to Polish use of these iconic modern fighters and will be of interest to aviation enthusiasts, historians and modelers.

  Highly recommended.

• ModelingMadness.com • 2013-03-16

  Reviewer: Scott Van Aken

  This latest edition in the Polish Wings series continues the look at Poland's MiG-29 force. This all starts near the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s when Poland picked the MiG-29 to replace its aging fleet of MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft. At that time the choice of options was rather limited as the Warsaw Pact was still in effect. Polish pilots and ground crew were sent to the Soviet Union to train on the type, at which time they returned to Poland to pass along their knowledge.

  Then came the end of the Cold War and with it the making of new nations. Among those was the division of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Unable or unwilling to maintain their MiG-29 fleet, the Czechs sold of their MiG-29s to Poland in the mid-1990s. Later on, the Germans provided Poland with their MiG-29 fleet to bolster the size of the Polish AF fighter fleet.

  This book covers the aircraft that were bought from Germany after reunification. It also covers the two seat MiG-29UBs from all sources. To catch up on the Polish single seat planes and those from the Czechs, see the first part of this series. The MiG-29 is the only Russian aircraft in Polish service and has had a superb reputation amongst pilots and ground crews.

  The book begins with a history of the aircraft in German service, which includes a tabular history of each airframe transferred to the PAF. All of this is in English. Then we get to the main event. This majority of the book is photos and superbly done profiles of each individual aircraft at various times in its life with the PAF. This includes the different camo schemes as well as any special markings the aircraft has received up to the current time. The photos are superbly done and quite crisp and clear. Apparently the German planes were well used as some were not overhauled and used for spares recovery. The very end of the book has cockpit photos.

  Overall, it is an outstanding photo book and history of this important aircraft in the PAF. It is one that I particularly enjoyed reading and one I can easily recommend to you.

• www.aerostories.org • 2013-03-16

  After the release in Autumn 2010 of the first volume devoted to the MiG-29 in Poland (Polish Wings 11), anyone interested in this fighter was waiting impatiently the second voume. Now with this second volume, one can have access to the entire history of this legendary fighter in Poland. This book deals specifically with MiG-29 sold in 2002 by Bundesluftwaffe, themselves inherited from the former GDR, as well as the two-seats obtained from different sources (direct from the Soviet Union, Czech Republic and Germany).

  The history of the German MiG-29 has a recent history in Poland, having been acquired for a single 1 euro each in 2002, while the history of the two-seaters is older, when the three first arrived in Poland in 1989. This book may seen unbalanced at first, but it is obvious that these two books must be taken together, being naturally complementary, one does not go without the other. In total, these two books offer an excellent source of information of nearly 200 pages ! The historian and the modeller will find all what they need, with text, details on camouflage and markings, close-ups and much more. The whole is profusely illustrated with photos and color profiles, qualities that were highlighted during the review of Volume 11.

  Like the previous volume (Polish Wings 11), strongly recommended.

  Phil Listemann

• Air Modeler 36 • 2013-03-16
• MiniReplika Nr 70 • 2011-05-23