North American's T-6
A Definitive History of
the World’s Most Famous Trainer

by Dan Hagedorn

Specialty Press

Reviewed by Al Bowie

North American's T-6 book is available online from Squadron.com

The T-6, by whatever name you may know it, is one of those legendary milestone, larger than life aircraft. The aircraft was flown by more than 80 nations and was the trainer of choice with over 20,000 being built.
This title literally claims to be the definitive title on the T-6 and I’d have to say that once again Speciality press live up to the title. Like other titles from this publisher it leaves little out and is presented in a format that makes reading it a pleasure and not a chore like some other titles I have read lately.

The book is impressive and has the same high quality paper and printing that we have come to expect from this publisher. The author has provided a thorough coverage of the T-6 (and derivatives) history in a format that is easy to digest and enjoyable to read. Over 330 photos in Colour and B&W grace the pages along with tables and diagrams.   

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Again the research behind this title has reaped benefits and a thorough covering of the Aircraft from design to service before, during and after the war is presented. The book covers the many derivatives of the Texan family and attempts to cover all users which appear to have been achieved. The break up is logical and fairly standard to readers of this publisher. The books chapters start with the concept then move on over the following ten chapters to cover:

• The NA -16

• Early US Army & Navy Variants

• Gearing for War

• WWII – A major contribution to Allied Victory

• Post-war Demand

• The AT – 6 reinvented

• Korean War, MDAP and Non Traditional Demands

• Concepts, Derivatives and Spinoffs

• Worldwide Service

• Appendix A – Production Numbers Cross Reference

• Appendix B t-6G-1 NH production, Assignments and previous Identities

This is a superb title that again offers something for  the aviation enthusiast, Historian and the modeller. The price is extremely modest for such a thorough and quality text and this book will take pride of place in many a bookcase. I highly recommend this title to anyone wishing to model or know more about the venerable Texan/Harvard and even the CAC Wirraway which is covered in detail.

The T-6 has been kitted by a myriad of companies in many scales and this book would be a great help to anyone wishing to model one.

The book may be ordered calling Speciality Press at 1-800-895-4585 or at their website Speciality Press

Thanks to Specilaty Press for the sample