Eagle Editions Tigers Over China reviewed by Mark Proulx

Eagle Editions Tigers Over China
The Aircraft of the A.V.G.
EagleFile EF#4
By Thomas A. Tullis
Reviewed by
Mark Proulx

Soft Cover
88 Pages
8.5" x 11"
ISBN 0-9660706-7-4

This book, written and illustrated by Tom Tullis, is a title that anyone with an interest in the Flying Tigers should have in their reference library.

The book is published by Eagle Editions in their EagleFiles series, being the 4th title in the line. It is printed on 88 pages of thick, quality paper. This continues the format of the previous books that I have reviewed. The majority of the book is made up of captioned photos, some in color. It is also lavishly illustrated with exquisite color illustrations.

Tullis spent a year interviewing surviving pilots and gathering the necessary reference material for this book. The result is a well-researched book with ample documentation of theP-40's of the A.V.G. using 125 rare and unpublished captioned photos. These clear photos supply supporting documentation for his color profiles.

Tom enters into a detailed discussion explaining the camouflage colors of these aircraft. He details the use of DuPont paints as applied by Curtiss to the upper surfaces. There has been plenty of confusion about the undersurface colors. The author makes his case for Aircraft Grey.

The book includes eight color side profiles, two color upper views and five b&w side profiles by the author. In my opinion, these profiles surely must rank as some of his best work to date. The views also include captions detailing many of the subtle differences attributable to each aircraft.

The author details the Squadron markings of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Pursuit Squadrons. He includes additional illustrations of these markings, supported and elaborated upon with text. The reader will also find details and illustrations explaining six different styles of Shark Mouths, made famous by The Flying Tigers.

Much has been written about the exploits of The Flying Tigers, while little is known about the camouflage and markings of their aircraft. This book makes a great one-stop reference source and I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in the P-40, particularly The Flying Tigers.