German Aircraft Instrument Panels Vol.1

by Dariusz Karnas

MMP Books

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

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This slim volume focuses on the instrument panels of six German aircraft:  three fighters (Bf 109 F-4, Bf 110 E, Fw 190 A-3), one bomber (Ju 88 A-4), one liaison (Fi 156) and one ground attack (Hs 123 A). 

Author and illustrator Dariusz Karnas includes a wealth of information that he breaks down into easy to follow sections for each aircraft, as follows:

• A brief text description of the aircraft type, accompanied by a black and white period photo of the aircraft and a photo or drawing of the cockpit and instrument panel.

• A colour drawing of the full instrument panel, showing the dash layout with all dials, bezels, buttons and levers.

• A colour illustration of the dash alone, with numbered holes where each instrument would normally be.  The numbers link to a brief description of the name and/or function of each instrument, for example ‘ignition switch panel’ or ‘fuel and oil temperature indicator’.  More specific German names and item numbers also accompany some of the descriptions, for example ‘altimeter (Fein-Grobhohenmesser, Fl.22320)’ and ‘airspeed indicator (Fahrtmesser, Fl.22231)’.

• Colour illustrations of individual instrument dials.  These are usually arranged six to a page and show the key features of each instrument. The English and German descriptions mentioned above are here provided as captions beneath each illustration.

• In most cases, illustrations of the type of gun or bombsight most commonly fitted to each type.

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The author presents his material clearly and with no room for doubt as to what instrument goes where.  While I don’t speak German, I can vouch that the English text is well written and easy to follow.  I only found one typographic error, in the Bf 109 F section where ‘manifold’ was printed as ‘mainfold’.  Overall production values are high, with crisp printing and illustrations.  The A4 hardcover format also makes the book ideal for the modelling bench, where it can be propped up with no fear that it will collapse back on itself.

I note that Volume 2 in the series (focusing on the Bf 109 E, Me 262 A, Ju 87 A, He 111, Hs 126 and Do 17) has already been released, as has an interactive, downloadable version of Volume 1 that will enable you to zoom into the details of your favourite instruments even more closely.

If, like me you believe a detailed cockpit is the key to a good model, and the key to a detailed cockpit is a convincing instrument panel, then this book is definitely worth considering.  I certainly wish I had it 30 years ago when I was building my Airfix 1/24 Bf 109 E-4 with only a few grainy photos for reference.  The quality of instrument panel detailing options today – either photo-etch or decal – also means you’ve got products at your disposal that won’t leave you disappointed when you compare your finished panel to the book’s illustrations.  Highly recommended.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to MMP Books  for the sample.

All MMP Books are available direct from the publishers, who now accept credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Switch)  

North American distributors are MMD, Australian distributors are Platypus Publications. In Europe, the books are available from any good bookshop (via our UK distributors, Orca). Contact MMP direct in case of difficulties. 

Thanks to Roger at MMO Books  for the sample.

Review Copyright © 2016 by Brad Fallen
This Page Created on 29 August, 2016
Last updated 29 August, 2016

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