The Fairey Battle
A Technical Guide

by Richard A. Franks

Valiant Wings Publishing

Airframe and Detail No. 11

Reviewed by Brett Green

Valiant Wings Publishing continues its well-established track record of producing high-quality, modeller-focused reference works with Airframe & Detail No.11: The Fairey Battle – A Technical Guide.

Timing is excellent with the 1:72 scale Azur-FRROM and 1:48 scale Trumpeter Fairey Battle kits recently hitting the market.

In this title, Richard A. Franks once again demonstrates his practical eye for what scale modellers actually need for the workbench. Although the Fairey Battle has long languished in the shadow of its more glamorous contemporaries, this volume gives the type well-rounded detail treatment it has always deserved.

The book follows the now-familiar Airframe & Detail format, blending historical context, technical description, and modelling reference. The opening chapters offer a concise overview of the Fairey Battle’s development and operational service.

The Author does not shy away from the aircraft’s shortcomings, but he is careful to emphasise its importance as a transitional design and its role during the early months of the Second World War.

The book truly shines in the technical and structural sections. Valiant Wings’ presentation of contemporary manual drawings and factory photographs delivers a helpful visual record of the Battle.

Reproduction quality is excellent throughout, with crisp line drawings and well-chosen photographs that highlight key details such as the Battle’s distinctive Fairey-Youngman flaps, the internal layout and elusive cross-section of the long greenhouse canopy, and the structural subtleties of the wing centre-section.

Modellers will appreciate the coverage of equipment variations, cockpit fittings and armament configurations. Subtle differences between early and late production aircraft, trainer variants, and export examples are covered. The inclusion of period detail shots of the Battle’s Merlin engine installation and undercarriage is especially valuable for anyone contemplating a super-detailed build.

The book’s modelling section is another highlight. Although the Fairey Battle has not enjoyed the same breadth of kit coverage as more famous types, the Author provides a useful assessment of what is available. The build features offer practical notes and highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of currently accessible kits, including the recent Azur-FRROM 1:72 and Trumpeter 1:48 scale offerings.

Colour profiles by Richard J. Caruana add visual flair while offering inspiration for finishing and camouflage.

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The Appendices round out the package with a detailed kit, accessory, and decal listing.

In summary, Airframe & Detail No.11: The Fairey Battle is a rich treatment of an aircraft that rarely gets centre stage. This guide is informative and usable.

For modellers with even a passing interest in early-war RAF subjects, this volume is recommended.

Thanks to Valiant Wings Publishing for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2025 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 16 November, 2025
Last updated 16 November, 2025

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