The Messerschmitt Bf 110 Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | December 2021 | Title | The Messerschmitt Bf 110 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Richard A Franks | Publisher | Valiant Wings Publishing |
| Published | 2021 | ISBN | 978-1-912932-20-7 |
| Format | 256 pages, softcover | MSRP (BP) | £24.95 |
Review
Valiant Wings deftly dissects Nazi Germany’s infamous “Destroyer” in The Messerschmitt Bf 110: A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe’s Famous Zerstörer – 17th in the publisher’s “Airframe & Miniature” range.
Author-editor Richard A. Franks expertly addresses all variants – including prototypes, derivatives, and proposals – in 256 picture-packed pages. And format follows the publisher’s proven prescription.
The first 103 pages of “Airframe” chapters chronicle Zerstörer evolution, developments, international use, and camouflage & markings.
Dozens of color plates by Richard J. Caruana survey Zerstörer schemes across Luftwaffe battlefronts and international service. And an illuminating page includes 1:72-scale plans with “stencil marking details”.
Remaining “Miniature” sections include specially commissioned, step-by-step kit builds by Libor Jekl and Steve A. Evans, available models, variant notes with 3D isometrics, close-up shots, and tech-manual excerpts.
But I’m confused. Text claims aft placement of periscope sights for Arado’s FA12 remote-controlled, rear-firing FDL 81Z gun barbettes. But illustrations depict sights ahead of the gun positions.
Nitpick aside, Valiant Wings microscopically explores Bf 110 minutiae – prop to rudder, tip-to-tip, top-to-bottom, inside and out. Detail enthusiasts: grab your drool cups!
Four thorough appendices list kits, accessories & masks, decals, and references. And pull-out 1:48-scale plans complete contents.
What a marvelous monograph. If you’re back in pandemic lockdown, and mandarins deign to permit just one book on Nazi Germany’s notorious Zerstörer, make it this one.
Robustly recommended!
My sincere thanks to Valiant Wings Publishing for this review copy.