Mushroom Model Publications

POTEZ 63 Family

by José Fernandez

Color Profiles by Teodor Liviu Morosanu

Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

Mushroom's POTEZ 630 Family book will be available online from Squadron

Potez 63 Family is the newest issue in Mushroom Model Publications’ Orange series.  The Orange series combines the Yellow Series’ focus on aircraft with the Red Series’ focus on history.

For all practical purposes, this monograph is divided into two distinct sections.  The first deals with the Potez 630 (Hispano- Suiza fighter), 631 (Gnome-Rhone fighter), 633 (G-R light bomber) and 637 (G-R reconnaissance).  These are the aircraft that looked much like the Bf 110, or so the French anti-aircraft gunners thought.

The second section focuses on the Potez 63-11.  This was the version with the large nose greenhouse and short cockpit canopy. This version is usually characterized as the “reconnaissance” version, although it was heavily armed and was also used as a ground attack aircraft.

Each section provides a brief overview of the development of the aircraft.  They then go on to describe the combat service of the aircraft in the French Air Force. Each section also covers the aircraft in foreign service.  I had thought the Potez in Romanian service were war booty bought from the Germans, but that was not the case.  Rumania was a paying customer before the War began.

Finally there are the “walk-arounds”.  In a number of Mushroom books the walk-around is comprised of photographs of restored or preserved aircraft, but that is not the case here.  In both sections the pictures are of original aircraft, taken before and during the War, and drawings from the manuals.  Considering the number of aircraft actually built and the impact of the war, it is an amazing collection. Modelers will find a wealth of detail.

Apart form the walk-around, the book is filled with excellent pictures, most of which I have never seen.  There are pictures of the prototype 630 and 631 taken from just about every angle.  There is also a wonderful set of pictures of the natural metal 630 with the free-form khaki green scallops (fringe?) around the cockpit.

The monograph also includes 1/72 scale line drawings of the main variants of the Potez 63 series and on a separate fold out insert, top and bottom views along with a cutaway drawing of the Potez 63-11.  However, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of any of the drawings.

If you find the narrative a bit confusing as to which model had what engine and performed what duties, not to worry.  There is an excellent chart setting forth the specifications for, and production numbers of, each member of the Potez 63 family.

Finally, there are the profiles. About 75 individual aircraft are covered. The profiles cover the various schemes worn by the Potez family in its service with various air forces – French, Vichy, Greek, German, Romanian and British, including a 63-11 in RAF desert scheme.

Considering the actual number of Potez 63 series aircraft that were in service, the type is well represent in modeling both in 1/48 and 1/72.  In 1/48, there are resin kits from JMGT for the 631 and the 63-11 and injection molded kits from Azur for the 630, 631 and 63-11. 

This volume from Mushroom will be an invaluable source of not only information, but also inspiration.  Given the lack of information on the Potez in English, this is a much needed and welcomed book.

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 Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
This Page Created on 31 December, 2008
Last updated 31 December, 2008

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