Southern Cross Mustangs book released

A new book SOUTHERN CROSS MUSTANGS covering the Mustangs operated by the RAAF (including the RAF aircraft they used in Italy during WWII), the RNZAF and the civilain Mustangs in Australia and New Zealand has just been released in Australia.

SCM is a 100,000 word 460 page volume with 600 profile views covering all the known marking and equipment variations. There are over 490 photographs and reproductions of contemporary documents and over 275 plan and detail drawings prepared especially for SCM to illustrate details such as equipment, markings and modifications. Aimed squarely at the enthusiast, modeller and historian, Southern Cross Mustangs is the most thorough examination that has as yet been made of the history, technology, camouflage and markings of the Australian and New Zealand Mustangs.

SCM is divided into 17 chapters covering different aspects of the story.

BACKGROUND provides a brief overview of the type and its service.
MODELS & VARIANTS examines the differences between and modifications made to the NAA built Mk III (P-51 B/C), Mk IV and IVA (P-51D and K) and the CAC built CA-17 Mk 20 and CA-18 Mk21, Mk 22 and Mk 23.
OVERALL SCHEMES looks at the colours and finishes of the military and civilian liveries.
NATIONAL INSIGNIA charts the evolution of The RAAF and RNZAF insignia.
SQUADRON CODES identifies the style, size and placement of code letters for each unit.
SERIALS explores the background, fonts and placement of the aircraft