Captured Eagles Volume 1 Book Review

by Michael Benolkin

Review

Vintage Eagle Publishing is a new publisher from Switzerland founded by author Roger Gaemperle. Their first title highlights a nice concept for the historian and modeler alike. In Volume 1, we have this 72 page reference in A4 format that contains 91 rare photos of captured Luftwaffe aircraft under new (allied) managment as they are discovered around Europe. In addition, this title is illustrated with nice color profiles of the subjects covered as well as relevant detail photos and graphics.

Coverage in this title includes:

• Reconnaissance
• Bombers
• Ground-Attack
• Destroyer
• Fighters
• Jets
• Nightfighters
• Mistel
• Under Allied Flag

Of course you'll know from other photo references that some of these aircraft were in better condition than others, but the special teams worked to remove any booby traps left behind and then repair any damage that the Germans might have inflicted on each aircraft to keep them from being useful. Many aircraft were restored to flight and either used by the intellengence teams for evaluation or 'requisitioned' by various squadrons for 'hack' duty.

Some of the aircraft covered in this volume include:

• Bf 109G/K
• Fw 190A/D
• Ju 88A/G/T
• Ju 188
• Me 410
• Me 262
• He 162
• Ju 290
• He 219

So what makes this title different from similar titles on the subject? This title is illustrated with images that haven't been previously published (with the exception of three images). This title also has booklet available separately that has very nice color profiles of four of the aircraft featured in this title and decals to accompany them. These decal sets are reviewed here.

This is a very nice first title to launch Vintage Eagle Publishing and you'll find it a nice addition to your Luftwaffe reference library. The associated decals are also worth a good look as well!

You can purchase this title from their website www.vintageeagle.com.

My sincere thanks to Vintage Eagle Publishing for this review sample!