RAF Fighter Station Scenic Panorama Book

These wonderful booklets from a past age were published by Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, a London based firm established in 1866. Whilst it is undated going on the aircraft depicted (Meteor, Javelin, Vampire, Swift, Chipmunk), it would probably have been printed around 1956. The back page is marked 'By appointment to the Late King George VI, the late Queen Mary and to HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother' so was certainly produced after March 1953.

The booklet show some evidence of being played with and minor staining and wear but despite the passing years surprisingly it comes complete with 45 of the original 46 moveable inserts "of models of Planes etc for arranging in position to give a three dimensional effect". Clearly technology in 2023 has moved on a little but this is a reminder of the simple life those of us who grew up 'plane crazy' in the 1950's used to enjoy!

The booklet is published in full colour and features inside two double page dioramas, that in turn fold out to make a single collage image of the complete airfield, as final picture. Each of the inside pages has numbered slots in which to place the appropriate figural pieces and when not in use the pieces can be kept in the envelope section attached to the back cover, which also features user instructions. It is understood almost 100 different 'moveable books' were produced by Raphael Tuck & Sons from the late 19th century through the last quarter of the 20th century. Whilst today's youngsters would be satisfied with nothing less than a sophisticated Meta Quest Pro VR headset, those of us who want some quiet nostalgia from times gone by will enjoy adding this modest booklet to their collection. Measures 12" x 10" (closed) or 30 cm x 25.5 cm.