Modelling Luftwaffe Jets and Wonder Weapons Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

Author Brett Green has forged a deservedly brilliant reputation for scale modeling excellence.  And his latest doesn't disappoint.

Part of Osprey Publishing's "Masterclass" series, Modelling Luftwaffe Jets and Wonder Weapons charts several of Nazi Germany's bold, brash and bizarre turbojet and rocket schemes in magnificent miniature.

Initial chapters course from the Heinkel He 280 through the Me 262 and He 162 to the Arado Ar 234 and Me 163 – nominally "production" designs.  Text next turns to "Vengeance Weapons" – the Fi 103 piloted V1 cruise missile and V2 (A4) ballistic rocket.  Then a 1:48-scale "Luftwaffe '46" coda highlights PLANET MODELS' resin Heinkel P.1077 Julia and AMTECH's superb Focke-Wulf Ta 183B in hypothetical battle dress.

The late Dr Charles Metz concludes contents with bibliographic notes for "further reading and references".  And a trailer table tallies kits of "Luftwaffe jets and rocket aircraft" to all popular scales.  Missing, though, are out-of-production, but generally obtainable items like FROG's and LINDBERG's 1:72 He 162s and PM's 1:72 Ta 183.

Clearly and copiously illustrated, coverage offers practical, step-by-step advice for modelers of most skill levels.  Kit comments and historical remarks season sections.  And notes on the Fi 103 trolley – and Simon Herbert's scratch-built 1:35 V2 Vidalwagen – should please vehicle and diorama enthusiasts.

Green's hardbound study also sports spiral binding for easy workbench reference.  Just don't expect 1:72 or 1:144 subjects: larger scales dominate details.  And don't seek specifics on au courant panel wash techniques.

But I nitpick.  Get this inspirational effort.  Billed as an "essential guide for the serious modeller", it will certainly motivate your modeling muse!

My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!