Mushroom Model Publications

Hawker Hart Family

by

Alex Crawford

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Mushroom's Hawker Hart Family book is available online from Squadron

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and for some, the Hawker Hart and its derivatives are some of the most elegant aircraft built.

Names such as the Audax, Demon, Hector, Hardy, Hart, Hind, Hartbeeste and Osprey encompassed much of the operational equipment of the RAF and other air arms in the 1930s. They took on the role of fighters, trainers, bombers and cooperative tasks and went to war with a number of countries.

The “Orange Maxi” series has been started to provide more pages than usual to cope with those types that can’t be covered in the standard format. The Hawker Hart family of aircraft is ideal for this layout.

There are 256 pages and these contain a wealth of information.

The development of each type is amply described and separate chapters are devoted to its use in both the Commonwealth and foreign services. The former consists of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Southern Rhodesia while a staggering 14 air arms fill the latter category.

Colours and markings for each country follow as well as the roles they played in the various conflicts around the world at the time.

General arrangement drawings are available in 1/72 scale and these cater for the Hawker Hart, Swedish B4A Hart and Osprey. Other types are still represented but are shown in side view only.

One of the most entertaining chapters relates to the flying of these machines. Pilot’s notes for the Hawker Demon, Hector and Hind are relayed and provide an interesting insight into these aircraft.

Complimenting the text is nearly 350 photographs with almost a third of them in colour.

The latter form is generally confined to the “walk around” section where detail shots are taken of various survivors scattered throughout the world. Examples offered are the Hawker Hart, Hartbeeste, Demon, Hind, and Audax.

A chapter on armament and equipment is also included which shows images of the message hook, Scarff mounting, bomb carrier, and Lewis gun. Also included are images of the radio aerial, flare bracket, camera gun and equipment racks.

A total of 43 colour profiles can be found and these are superbly done by Remi Pierlot. Where needed, extra views are available to the viewer so as to provide a more complete picture of the subject. The variety of subjects is commendable and there will be something to please everyone.

The larger “Orange Maxi” format of this book is a great way for Mushroom Model Publications to expand their range.

Some topics require extra space to be covered in a way that is fitting to the type. The Hawker Hart family is one such subject and fittingly Alex Crawford covers a lot of ground in these pages.

So whether you’re a modeller or just have a fascination with this stylish biplane, this piece of reference work comes highly recommended.

Highly Recommended.

All Mushroom Model Publications books are available direct from the publishers, who now accept credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Switch)  

North American distributors are MMD, Australian distributors are Platypus Publications. In Europe, the books are available from any good bookshop (via our UK distributors, Orca). Contact MMP direct in case of difficulties. 

Thanks to Roger at Mushroom Model Magazine  for the sample.

Review Copyright 2008 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 16 June, 2008
Last updated 16 June, 2008

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