The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Early Series Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

With literally hundreds of schemes across massive production runs, the legendary Messerschmitt Bf 109 remains among today’s most popular modeling subjects. So you knew that Valiant Wings would eventually add 2014’s “early 109” monograph to its robust reissue range.

And now they have.

The second edition of The Messerschmitt Bf 109 - Early Series – A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe’s Famous Fighter – fifth in Valiant Wings’ “Airframe & Miniature” range – recaps the spellbinding saga in 232 picture-packed pages.

Expertly authored and edited by Richard A. Franks, text deftly details all initial versions, including prototypes and derivatives – from “V1 to E9 including the T-series”. And format follows the publisher’s proven prescription.

Initial sections outline evolution, developments, derivatives, combat, and warpaint.

Dozens of color profile, plan, and inset views by Richard J. Caruana survey the stunning swath of early 109 schemes. And an illuminating spread includes scale plans with stencil placement specs.

Subsequent “Miniature” sections sport specially commissioned, step-by-step kit builds by Libor Jekl and Steve A. Evans, available models, scale specs, variant notes with 3D isometrics, close-up shots, and tech-manual excerpts.

In short, Valiant Wings microscopically dissects early 109 minutiae – prop to rudder, tip-to-tip, top-to-bottom, inside and out. Detail enthusiasts will go ga-ga.

Four chunky, updated appendices catalog kits, accessories, decals & masks, and references. And a glossary and pullout 1:48-scale plans complete contents.

What a magnificent monograph. Pedants can dispute if anything is really “complete”. But Valiant Wings’ study comes awfully close to a one-volume “early 109” library. Great to have it back!

Roundly recommended!

With thanks to Valiant Wings for the review copy.