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• Air Modeler No. 40 • 2015-01-23
• Scalemodellingnow.com • 2015-01-23
• ScaleModellingnow.com • 2015-01-23
• Model Airplane International 05/2012 • 2015-01-23
• Model Aircraft 03/2012 • 2015-01-23
• Catralina News 78 • 2015-01-23
• Modelingmadness.com • 2015-01-23
• Scaleplasticandrail.com • 2015-01-23
• Hyperscale.com • 2015-01-23
• Hyperscale.com • 2015-01-23
• Kitmaniac.com • 2015-01-23
• IPMSUSA.org • 2015-01-23
• IPMSUSA.org • 2015-01-23
• InternetModeler.com • 2015-01-23
• Skrzydlata Polska 1/2012 • 2012-03-20
• MiniReplika Nr 73 • 2012-03-20

• Air Modeler No. 40 • 2015-01-23
  
• Scalemodellingnow.com • 2015-01-23

  Review by: Geoff Coughlin

  Well, here’s something a little different, with many varied and unusual images of types and markings I hadn’t seen before.

  Background vIn September 1946, the Union of Pilots of the Czechoslovak Republic held an International Air Show at Prague-Ruzyne airport.

  Reminiscent of the country’s splendid pre-war Military Air Days, the 1946 show attracted more than half a million visitors, while military aircraft from Britain, France and the UAS joined local civilian and military machines in the air and on the ground.

  Flying displays featuring thrilling aerobatics, massed Spitfire flypasts, Neville Duke’s stunning Meteor routine and even a Boeing B-29 Superfortress impressed the crowds.

  At the same time the occasion gave the Czech aero industry an opportunity to reveal its latest machines – new, indigenous designs, as well as those based on German aircraft – to an adoring press and public.

  The 1946 Autumn event drew great attention and support from the Americans and British, boasting no fewer than four types of jet fighter: Avia S-92 (Me 262), de Havilland Vampire, Gloster Meteor and Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, as well as a rocket-assisted S-99 (Bf 109) take-off!

  Perhaps more importantly, the occasion provided one last stage for the Czech pilot’s, most of them ex-RAF before the ravages of the communist regime forced many to leave and the remainder into persecution.

  Conclusion

  This title is without doubt a fascinating and unusual glimpse into the Eastern European aviation scene before the Iron Curtain fell and includes some rare images of major aircraft types of the period.

  Highly relevant to all aviation scale modellers and military aviation enthusiasts.

  Recommended.

  Geoff C.

• ScaleModellingnow.com • 2015-01-23

  Background

  In September 1946, the Union of Pilots of the Czechoslovak Republic held an International Air Show at Prague-Ruzyne airport.

  Reminiscent of the country’s splendid pre-war Military Air Days, the 1946 show attracted more than half a million visitors, while military aircraft from Britain, France and the UAS joined local civilian and military machines in the air and on the ground.

  Flying displays featuring thrilling aerobatics, massed Spitfire flypasts, Neville Duke’s stunning Meteor routine and even a Boeing B-29 Superfortress impressed the crowds.

  At the same time the occasion gave the Czech aero industry an opportunity to reveal its latest machines – new, indigenous designs, as well as those based on German aircraft – to an adoring press and public.

  The 1946 Autumn event drew great attention and support from the Americans and British, boasting no fewer than four types of jet fighter: Avia S-92 (Me 262), de Havilland Vampire, Gloster Meteor and Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, as well as a rocket-assisted S-99 (Bf 109) take-off!

  Perhaps more importantly, the occasion provided one last stage for the Czech pilot’s, most of them ex-RAF before the ravages of the communist regime forced many to leave and the remainder into persecution.

  Conclusion

  This title is without doubt a fascinating and unusual glimpse into the Eastern European aviation scene before the Iron Curtain fell and includes some rare images of major aircraft types of the period.

  Highly relevant to all aviation scale modellers and military aviation enthusiasts.

  Recommended. Geoff C.

• Model Airplane International 05/2012 • 2015-01-23
  
• Model Aircraft 03/2012 • 2015-01-23
  
• Catralina News 78 • 2015-01-23

  Over the years, our Catalinas have visited the Czech Republic and Slovakia on a number of occasions and have been very well received by air show audiences there, most recently at Plzen in the Czech Republic this August. Way back in 1946 and 1947, two displays were held in Prague that continued the tradition of popular pre-war air days in that country. The two post-war events held at Prague- Ruzyně Airport were large-scale shows that were destined not to be repeated in terms of size until the 1990s after the fall of the Communist regime. The first International Air Show was held on September 15th, 1946 and it was attended by more than 500,000 visitors! The 1947 event was held a week earlier on September 7th and the attendance was somewhat lower but still estimated at a staggering 300,000 to 400,000! In between these two shows was the Civilian Sporting Air Day on July 20th, 1947. It is thought that this less successful event, fraught with organisational problems on the day, may have contributed to the lower numbers attending the September show. The two international events became colloquially known as the Victory Air Displays and all three shows are the subject of Victory Air Displays – Prague 1946 & 1947 by Pavel Klouček and Bohmuir Kudlička, published by M u s h r o o m M o d e l Publications/Stratus. The 88-page softback is profusely illustrated with black and white photos of the aircraft in a t t e n d a n c e , b o t h m i l i t a r y a n d commercial, local and foreign. Both international shows saw large scale attendance by the RAF and USAAF whilst the 1946 event was attended by the French Air Force with Martin Marylands, B - 2 6 M a r a u d e r s a n d P - 4 7 D Thunderbolts. In 1946, the RAF provided Avro Lincolns, Gloster Meteors and a Spitfire whilst in 1947 it came with Avro Yorks, a Vampire and a Meteor. The USAAF sent large contingents of fighters, b o m b e r s a n d t r a n s p o r t s o n b o t h occasions. This is a fascinating book about a little known subject to non- Eastern European enthusiasts and well worth investigating. Price is £13.99, ISBN 978 8361421 42 9

• Modelingmadness.com • 2015-01-23

  Reviewer: Scott Van Aken

  After World War Two, many countries in central and eastern Europe were looking forward to a return of the way things were before the war. One of these nations was Czechoslovakia. Though the Soviets had 'liberated' the nation, the Czech people were still relatively free. As part of that freedom, air displays were held, bringing in aircraft from the Allied powers as well as highlighting Czech aviators and aviation.

  The two major air displays were held for the populace in Prague with the initial 1946 show drawing a half million spectators. To say that there were traffic jams would be an understatement and thanks to the experiences of many, the next year's show was not quite as well attended. Unfortunately, it was the last to be held as the iron fist of Soviet rule soon descended on the Czech people and rule under communism and ruthless dictatorial government continued until the fall of the communist state in the early 1990s.

  But this is a look at those years just after the war and the aircraft and men who attended and performed in those two large air shows. Both of them contained aircraft from the UK as well as from those units which were based in Germany and Austria as part of the occupying forces. It is here that the Czech people saw the Meteor, the P-80 and even their own CS-92 jet powered aircraft. Aerobatic displays were provided using mostly German designed aircraft that were built in Czech factories.

  The Czech Air Force participated with displays by their many Spitfire IX squadrons. Larger aircraft such as C-47s operated at the air field during the show and during these events, the B-29 and Lincoln bombers were also displayed. Oddly absent were any Soviet participation.

  Thanks to the work of the authors, photos of these events have been gathered together within the pages of this book and are a real delight to view. A book type that is not the norm, but one that needs to be.

  Highly recommended.

  December 2011

• Scaleplasticandrail.com • 2015-01-23

  Would you have asked me two weeks ago about what I knew about air shows in post war Czechoslovakia in 1946 and 1947 I would just have shrugged my shoulders in ignorance of such. An air show in Czechoslovakia? Just one year after WWII with some of the fiercest air battles and all the destruction in this area? No way!

  Then I was offered to review this new book from known publisher MMPBooks. It immediately attracted my attention showing a nice colourized picture of a P-51D Mustang and some A-26 Invader aircraft on the front page.

  After the Czechoslovak Republic having been founded in 1918 aviation in military and civilian form has been aided by the young state. So-called "Flying Days" became very popular, with "Army Air Days" becoming the pinnacle of those social events. During the 1930s one could hardly find a summer or autumn weekend without such an Air Day taking place in the Republic prior to the states dissolution by Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

  After the end of WWII two international air displays (the ones before WWII have been for Czechoslovak airmen only) took place at Prague-Ruzyně airport in 1946 and 1947. It is the aim of this book to acquaint the reader with the great variety of the aircraft that took part on those two major post-war air displays just before the Iron Curtain falling down on this country and its population.

  The first post-war international air show took place on September 15th, 1946. This event attracted in excess of half a million visitors! The Czechoslovak aviation industry presented its first post-war types to the visitors, most of them taken up from German production as the C-2 (Arado 96), C-4 (Bücker Bü 131 "Jungmann"), C-5 (Fi 156 "Storch") and the L-290 Orel (Junkers Ju 290 "Seeadler") amongst others. But also some of the very first indigenous post-war types were presented: the M1C Sokol and the Praga E-114D. Sightseeing flights were organized by the Czechoslovak State Airlines, some of them in Junkers Ju 52!

  This book goes deeply into detail listing the high ranking foreign and local dignitaries visiting this major event. After this the flying programme is told in such a fascinating and detailed way as if it had happened just a week ago! I have no clue where the authors took all those pictures and information, but reading this book I am impressed by their research! I really felt as if I would take part at this show, being told the individual aircraft types (some with the registration codes and units they belonged to), their pilots, the programme they flew and the emotions and reactions of the visitors.

  It would go beyond the scope of this review telling you only a tenth of the information of this book but let me tell you some of the aircraft taking part on this first major air show: gliders, Spitfires, Avro Lincoln, P-47 Thunderbolts, Aero C-4 biplanes, Siebel 204, B-29 Superfortress (!), P-80A Shooting Star, Gloster Meteor, De Havilland Vampire, DC-3 Dakota and so forth. An unbelievable gathering of the most fascinating aircraft of these days! And I did not know anything about this before I got this book in my hands...

  The second major event took place on September 7th, 1947. The organizers expected the same or even more visitors, but only 300000 to 400000 people came along, maybe due to public disillusion following a Czech National Aero Club´s chaotic Civilian Sporting Air Day in July.

  Again an unbelievable amount of different aircraft types were on show. Let me pick just two of the many attractions on show: first was the S-92 (aka Me 262A "Schwalbe"), an Avia-build copy of the Messerschmitt Me 262, roaring over the airport. It would have most interesting how this WWII jet fighter would have performed against the Meteor, the Vampire or the P-80 Shooting Star.

  Second was the rocket-assisted take-off of an S-99, originally a Messerschmitt Bf 190G/K, from Prague-Letnaňy airport! This is shown in a sequence of six enthralling pictures in this book! This has not even been tried by the (sometimes crazy) German Luftwaffe engineers in WWII as far as I know... Amazing!

  This book is crammed full of fascinating pictures taken on these events, showing some of the aircraft, crew and just the "life" of such an event. They are full of atmosphere and will take the reader with them, back to those peaceful days of hope. Nobody could know that it would take until the fall of the communist regime in the 1990s before such an event could take place there again.

  So what do we think?

  MMPBooks are to be applauded for their most interesting choice of themes off the beaten tracks to be researched and published! Have a look at their website to discover one treasure after the other!

  Having read this book now I am glad to be smarter on these events that took place just a year after the end of hostilities. The pictures of all those different aircraft and the narration of the events in such a wealth of detail make this book something special, giving a glimpse of the aviation scene in Eastern Europe before the Iron Curtain came down.

  Thanks to the authors to bring these events to light! I can´t wait to see what´s next from MMPBooks!

  Very highly recommended!

• Hyperscale.com • 2015-01-23

  Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

  F i r s t R e a d

  Victory Air Displays is a new publication from this prolific Polish publisher.

  Published in their “Red Series” the book provides a very comprehensive written and pictorial coverage of the two International Air Shows that were conducted at the Prague-Ruzyn airport, Prague on 15 September 1946 and 7 September 1947 respectively. Brief coverage is also provided for the less than successful Civilian Sporting Air Day conducted on 20 July 1947.

  The two International Air Shows were dubbed “Victory Air Displays” and were well attended by the civilian population and well supported by the Air Forces of World War II allies with types displayed including the United States Army Air Force’s P-47, P-51, P-80, A-26, B-017, B-29 and Fairchild C-82 Packet. The aircraft displayed by the Royal Air Force included the (then new) Mk IV Meteor and De Havilland Vampire fighters, Avro’s Anson and York and De Havilland’s huge Lincoln. The French Air Force and Armée de l Air also participated displaying such types as the P-47, B-26, and the Martin 167F Maryland. The Czech Air Force contributed displays by a wide range of locally built machines as well as the Spitfire. A delegation from the Belgian Air Force also participated arriving in an Avro.

  The book is so well written that it could almost be used as a programme for each of the days displays, such is the detail contained.

  It is well illustrated with some 220 odd black and white images. Whilst some are very small others are quite good and show some well known types in markings that they are normally not seen in. It is soft bound, B5 in size and comprises 88 pages.

  Conclusion

  Whilst not to everyone’s taste, this is a well researched and well presented document that provides you with a look at post war aviation in what soon was to become the “behind the Iron Curtain”.

• Hyperscale.com • 2015-01-23

  Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

  F i r s t R e a d

  Victory Air Displays is a new publication from this prolific Polish publisher.

  Published in their “Red Series” the book provides a very comprehensive written and pictorial coverage of the two International Air Shows that were conducted at the Prague-Ruzyn airport, Prague on 15 September 1946 and 7 September 1947 respectively. Brief coverage is also provided for the less than successful Civilian Sporting Air Day conducted on 20 July 1947.

  The two International Air Shows were dubbed “Victory Air Displays” and were well attended by the civilian population and well supported by the Air Forces of World War II allies with types displayed including the United States Army Air Force’s P-47, P-51, P-80, A-26, B-017, B-29 and Fairchild C-82 Packet. The aircraft displayed by the Royal Air Force included the (then new) Mk IV Meteor and De Havilland Vampire fighters, Avro’s Anson and York and De Havilland’s huge Lincoln. The French Air Force and Armée de l Air also participated displaying such types as the P-47, B-26, and the Martin 167F Maryland. The Czech Air Force contributed displays by a wide range of locally built machines as well as the Spitfire. A delegation from the Belgian Air Force also participated arriving in an Avro.

  The book is so well written that it could almost be used as a programme for each of the days displays, such is the detail contained.

  It is well illustrated with some 220 odd black and white images. Whilst some are very small others are quite good and show some well known types in markings that they are normally not seen in. It is soft bound, B5 in size and comprises 88 pages.

  Conclusion

  Whilst not to everyone’s taste, this is a well researched and well presented document that provides you with a look at post war aviation in what soon was to become the “behind the Iron Curtain”.

• Kitmaniac.com • 2015-01-23

  The new book release from MMP Books is an excellent combination of photos and text about the one curious air show in Europe in the years after the end of WWII. For all aviation lovers this is a important material to know about the air activities after the end of the most bigger conflict of the history.

  The Book:

  The book is part of the MMP “Red Series” and provides a very comprehensive written and pictorial coverage of the two International Air Shows that were conducted at the Prague-Ruzyn airport, Prague on 15 September 1946 and 7 September 1947 respectively. The success of the Air Shows became evident when we find a register of most a half million people involved on the events. With more than 220 odd black and white images the great historical research became evident. We have the opportunity to see and learn more about the situation of the Europe based aircrafts and your markings on the late 1940’s. It is soft bound, B5 in size and comprises 88 pages in high quality.

  The Air Shows are idealized by the Union of pilots of the Czechoslovak Republic and hve the presence of the air contingents from all WWII victorious countries. The event was placed on Prague-Ruzine airport the presence of a massive number of Allied air forces call the attention of the civilian population that could see many different aircraft types as the United States Army Air Force P-47, P-51, P-80, A-26, B-017, B-29(you dimensions impressed the public) and Fairchild C-82 Packet. The aircraft displayed by the Royal Air Force included the (then new) Mk IV Meteor and De Havilland Vampire fighters, Avro’s Anson and York and De Havilland’s huge Lincoln. The French Air Force and Armée de l Air also participated displaying such types as the P-47, B-26, and the Martin 167F Maryland. The Czech Air Force contributed displays by a wide range of locally built machines as well as the Spitfire. A delegation from the Belgian Air Force also participated arriving in an Avro.

  Conclusion

  Another theme that make us understand the reasons that became MMP Books one of the best Publishers of the world. Thanks to MMP for give us the opportunity to know about this event, the pictures and text are a important historical reference for both modelers and military history researchers. I as a Historical Military Researcher have a great pleasure reading these pages. Highly Recommended.

  Special Thanks to MMP Books for the review Sample. For another Titles MMP Books visit: http://mmpbooks.biz/mmp/

  All the Best,

  Vini Pompeo

• IPMSUSA.org • 2015-01-23

  Reviewed by: Brian R. Baker, IPMS #43146

  History

  This is an unusual book in that it covers a relatively unknown but significant event in postwar aviation history. This was a series of air displays held at the Prague-Ruzyne Airport immediately following the end of World War II, during that precious time period when the Czechs enjoyed a brief era of freedom before the Communist regime takeover in 1948 drove them back to the Dark Ages where they would languish until democracy regained control when the Soviet Union disintegrated around 1990. The Czechs, anticipating freedom after getting rid of Nazi German control, celebrated this event with a series of air displays in 1946 and 1947. During these, returning Czech airmen who had served mainly in the RAF joined forces with RAF, USAAF, French, and Belgian personnel to provide exciting and informative displays of modern military aircraft. These included such aircraft as the Meteor, Vampire, Spitfire, Lincoln, Mosquito, York, P-51D, P-47D, P-80, B-17, B-29, A-26, B-26, C-82, and C-47. And the Czechs themselves provided demonstrations of some of the German training types, as well as the JU-52 and Czech-built Bf-109G’s. In addition, many gliders and light acrobatic aircraft were flown by Czech civilian pilots and instructors, as well as the standard types operated by the resurrected Czech Air Force. Strangely, few Russian aircraft were in attendance, except for some that were operated by the Czech Air Force.

  The problems associated with any air show were present at these displays, including traffic and parking problems, scheduling and coordinating of regular airline flights at the airport, and the logistics of getting fuel and other support elements to the airfield in time for the events. Nevertheless, the events were spectacular, especially the acrobatic displays, and for each display spectators numbered over 100,000.

  The Book The book is extremely well organized and written, and covers such subjects as the general organization of the displays, the visiting aircraft that were on exhibition, some of the pilots involved, and a description of the aerial routines themselves. Photos cover the aircraft and many of the people who were there. There apparently wasn’t a serious aircraft photographer there, as would have been common at American and British air shows, but enough amateur photos are provided to give a good account of the aircraft that were present. These photos are of good quality and show an excellent representation of the types present.

  I found the book interesting to read, and I learned a lot about the postwar Czech Air Force. It must have been an exciting time to live in, especially considering the ominous Iron Curtain that was to descend on that unfortunate country immediately afterwards. Most of the pro-Western people, including RAF veterans and political figures, either had to leave the country or were imprisoned for long periods of time, if they survived at all.

  All in all, this is a fascinating little book, and well worth getting mainly for the historical information involved. The publishers are to be commended for producing this unusual book. Highly recommended.

• IPMSUSA.org • 2015-01-23

  Reviewed by: Brian R. Baker, IPMS #43146

  History

  This is an unusual book in that it covers a relatively unknown but significant event in postwar aviation history. This was a series of air displays held at the Prague-Ruzyne Airport immediately following the end of World War II, during that precious time period when the Czechs enjoyed a brief era of freedom before the Communist regime takeover in 1948 drove them back to the Dark Ages where they would languish until democracy regained control when the Soviet Union disintegrated around 1990. The Czechs, anticipating freedom after getting rid of Nazi German control, celebrated this event with a series of air displays in 1946 and 1947. During these, returning Czech airmen who had served mainly in the RAF joined forces with RAF, USAAF, French, and Belgian personnel to provide exciting and informative displays of modern military aircraft. These included such aircraft as the Meteor, Vampire, Spitfire, Lincoln, Mosquito, York, P-51D, P-47D, P-80, B-17, B-29, A-26, B-26, C-82, and C-47. And the Czechs themselves provided demonstrations of some of the German training types, as well as the JU-52 and Czech-built Bf-109G’s. In addition, many gliders and light acrobatic aircraft were flown by Czech civilian pilots and instructors, as well as the standard types operated by the resurrected Czech Air Force. Strangely, few Russian aircraft were in attendance, except for some that were operated by the Czech Air Force.

  The problems associated with any air show were present at these displays, including traffic and parking problems, scheduling and coordinating of regular airline flights at the airport, and the logistics of getting fuel and other support elements to the airfield in time for the events. Nevertheless, the events were spectacular, especially the acrobatic displays, and for each display spectators numbered over 100,000.

  The Book The book is extremely well organized and written, and covers such subjects as the general organization of the displays, the visiting aircraft that were on exhibition, some of the pilots involved, and a description of the aerial routines themselves. Photos cover the aircraft and many of the people who were there. There apparently wasn’t a serious aircraft photographer there, as would have been common at American and British air shows, but enough amateur photos are provided to give a good account of the aircraft that were present. These photos are of good quality and show an excellent representation of the types present.

  I found the book interesting to read, and I learned a lot about the postwar Czech Air Force. It must have been an exciting time to live in, especially considering the ominous Iron Curtain that was to descend on that unfortunate country immediately afterwards. Most of the pro-Western people, including RAF veterans and political figures, either had to leave the country or were imprisoned for long periods of time, if they survived at all.

  All in all, this is a fascinating little book, and well worth getting mainly for the historical information involved. The publishers are to be commended for producing this unusual book. Highly recommended.

• InternetModeler.com • 2015-01-23

  By Chris Banyai-Riepl

  The period between the two World Wars was an innovative time for aviation, and air shows were a popular method for introducing this technology to people. Everyone from small regional clubs up to nations held these shows, with the bigger ones bringing international appeal. The Second World War interrupted these air days, but in 1946, there was an attempt to bring these huge aviation shows back to Prague. This book details the success of the 1946 show and the lackluster results of the 1947 show in Prague, marking the only two attempts in Czechoslovakia before the country's fall to communists.

  This latest book from Mushroom Model Publication examines these two events, both from an aviation standpoint and a greater historical context. The participants in the shows were international in scope, and the book highlights this through the text and the photographs of the shows. For many in attendance, this was their first exposure to the results of the wartime evolution of aviation. Fast jets and massive bombers from Britain and America wowed audiences amongst other more traditional aircraft from France and Czechoslovakia.

  While the photos presented are more general rather than detailed, they do illustrate an interesting chapter often overlooked in aviation history: that immediate post-war period when a world was trying to come to terms with its new-found peace.

• Skrzydlata Polska 1/2012 • 2012-03-20
  
• MiniReplika Nr 73 • 2012-03-20