Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina Walk Around

The walk around series from Squadron/Signal is well know to most by now, and this book follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, offering up a general overview of airframe components and details. The book is rounded out by some typically nice illustrations by Don Greer, who I consider to be one of the best aviation artists out there. This volume has ample coverage of the fuselage interior, many from a cutaway museum example, landing gear (the main distinguishing feature of the -5A), and various exterior details. Oddly missing, are photos of cockpit area, and engine specifics, though there are several images from the exterior. I think what I find the most fascinating, for whatever reason, is the mechanics station inside the cabane strut. The though of sitting in that little seat hanging there in the interior of the cabane, gazing out the windows on either side, seeing the engines purring along, and the vista of the relatively unobstructed view, must have been something indeed. There are several colorful profiles in this particular release, as well as some interesting detail illustrations, and I, for one, am very happy to see that.