The Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front 1943-45 Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

Start with an evocative color profile.  Stir in spectacular techniques from matchless modeling talent.  Season with stunning photography.  And you've got the recipe for an enormously inspirational hobby reference.

The Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front 1943-45 – latest in the "Modelling Guides" series from Classic, an imprint of Ian Allan Publishing – offers a colorful glimpse of WWII German aircraft through the prism of eight large-scale model aircraft projects, including one "quick build":

• Fw 190A-5 (1:32 Hasegawa)
• Fw 190A-8 (1:48 Tamiya)
• Fw 190D-9 (1:32 Hasegawa)
• Bf 109G-10/R3 (1:32 Hasegawa)
• Hs 129B-2 (1:48 Hasegawa)
• Ju 87D-3 (1:32 Hasegawa)
• Ju 87D-5 (1:48 Hasegawa "quick build")
• Ju 52/3m (1:48 Revell-Monogram)

Each lavishly illustrated chapter includes a profile of the central subject, archival reference photos, sequential construction shots and finished model images.

But don't just ogle the pretty pictures.  Text marvelously recaps the total project – researching, planning, building and finishing.  It's chockablock with terrific tips and techniques.

Author Brett Green and contributor Chris Wauchop extensively employ their stunning airbrush skills on some truly magnificent, inspirational finishes.  Contributor Ian Robertson's creative paint mixes beautifully replicate late-WWII German camouflage nuances – and provide excellent reference points for both modelers and historians.  And contributor Jamie Haggo adds his considerable skill to the masterful mix.

You don't have to be a Luftwaffe enthusiast to appreciate the magnificent workmanship and awesome artistry this book showcases.  I absolutely loved it.

Rabidly recommended!

With thanks to Ian Allan for the review copy:

Ian Allan Publishing Ltd
Terminal House
Shepperton
TW17 8AS
U.K.