Messerschmitt Bf 110 Volume I Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | June 2005 | Title | Messerschmitt Bf 110 Volume I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Marek Murawski | Publisher | Kagero |
| Published | 2005 | ISBN | 83-89088-66-5 |
| Format | 102 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $24.95 |
Review
Kagero has turned its sights on another multifaced combat aircraft, the Messerschmitt Bf 110 twin-engined fighter. Initially designed as a long-range bomber/destroyer in the mid-1930s, the Bf 110 was one of three designs that the RLM was evaluating. When they weren't satisfied with the designs put forth, the RLM would alter the requirements and send the designers back to their drawing boards. In these days, the Bf 110 was competing with the Fw 57 and the Hs 124. As history would bear out, the RLM finally selected the Bf 110 as their long-range fighter and the airframe would be modified to fulfill a variety of missions.
The coverage includes:
- Introduction
- Early Development
- Prototypes and First Production Versions
- Bf 110C - The Blitzkrieg Era Destroyer
- Bf 110D - A Long-Range Destroyer
- Bf 110E - A Multi-Purpose Aircraft
- Specialized Versions of Bf 110C Trhough E
- Messerschmitt Bf 110F - New Engines
- Messerschmitt Bf 110G - The Most Numerous of the Family
- Camouflage and Markings
The title is well-illustrated with numerous black and white photos of the Bf 110 during its development and during combat operations. Sixteen color profiles are included as well as numerous drawings and diagrams in 1/48 and 1/72 to illustrate the detail differences between each variant of the Bf 110 family.
Markings are included in 1/72 and 1/48 for Bf 110G-4/R3 G9+KC of Stab II./NJG.1 in May 1945, and Bf 110E-2 3U+KS of 8./ZG 26 in North Africa, 1942.
As a first (as far as I'm aware) this title also includes a set of 1/48 canopy paint masks. Great idea Kagero!
The aviation historian and modeler alike will want to add this to their reference libraries - especially considering the VERY reasonable retail price!