Mezek a Turbina
by Bohumir Kudlicka

Mushroom Model Publications

Reviewed byMark Davies

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Mezek a Turbina covers the development and service histories of the Czechoslovak-built Messerschmitt Bf 109G (the Avia C-10) and its Jumo-powered derivatives, the S/CS-199 (initially called the C-210); as well as the Czechoslovak Me 262 known as the Avia S/CS-92. The CS nomenclature in each case refers to the twin-seat trainer version of the single seat fighter, which is referred to by just the letter “S”.

The book has a soft cover with 112 A-4 pages enclosed in a square spine binding. It is an interesting package divided into three main parts. The first deals with the C-10 and S/CS-199, the second with the S/CS-92, whilst the third is an account of the S-199 in Israeli service by Jose Fernandez (Editor of the excellent French “Air Magazine” and various other titles).

The S/CS-199 section includes a background to manufacturing under German occupation and early testing of Avia-built examples, including an account and images of rocket assisted take-off experiments. It provides an interesting insight into the renewal of the Czechoslovak Air Force immediately post-war, and goes on to cover the S/CS-199’s service with the Air Police and Air Force. There are also sections on colours & markings, technical description, scale plans, and museum examples.

The account of the S-199’s service with Israel following its declaration of statehood is very well written and an interesting read. This section also includes many good photos and several colours & markings illustrations.

The S/CS-92 section is similar in style to the preceding section on the S/CS-199. It describes Me 262 production in the German Protectorates of Bohmen and Mahren, the genesis and development of the S/CS-92, the proposed export of Turbinas to Yugoslavia, participation in the 1947 air show, testing and production, and the type’s short service life.  There are also sections on colours & markings, technical description, scale plans, and museum examples. At the end of the S/CS-92 sections is an article that first appeared in REVI magazine titled “I flew Turbines”. This is an interesting essay account of one Czechoslovak pilot’s service and experience flying the S-92.

Photo images for both types are excellent with several detail close-ups, but perhaps surprisingly, there are no walkaround sections. The plans appear to be very well drawn to 1/48-scale, and the colour illustrations are likewise to high standards. The text is in excellent English, which makes for an enjoyable and easy read, as there is no awkwardness in style due to translation. Although not really detracting from the book, I was left with a feeling it is a bit “cobbled or stitched together” in format. This is partly true of course, through the use of the article from REVI Magazine and the chapter by Jose Fernandez.   

A very useful slide-show of the complete book can be viewed below:

This book is produced to high standards and is an excellent reference for those interested in the Avia S/CS-199 and S/CS-92. 

It provides an interesting insight to the surprisingly quick revival of the Czechoslovak Air Force, the brief service of both types with this arm, and the S-199’s use by the Border Police. There is also interesting coverage of the S-199 in Israeli service.

This is a great reference for modellers despite the lack of dedicated walkaround sections, and should appeal to aviation historians too. It is highly recommended.

Thanks to MMP Books  for the sample.

All MMP 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 MMO Books  for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 15 January, 2015
Last updated 15 January, 2015

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