Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

 
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The Battle of Britain continues to fascinate aircraft modellers.

Not only is this due to the importance of the conflict, but also to the colourful nature of the aircraft involved. We are of course talking about the Luftwaffe, whose ever evolving official and non-official camouflage schemes have proved to be a challenge amongst enthusiasts.

With the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain upon us, it seems only appropriate that a modelling guide appears to commemorate the event. This visual reference comprises of 96 pages between the soft card covers. The format is slightly larger than A4 which allows for each image to be reproduced as large as possible. This permits maximum detail to be gleaned by the viewer.

There are well over 250 colour images covering the various stages of construction. These are complimented by 30 period photographs of the aircraft in question, and 7 pages of artwork.

Contents

Often it’s a particular colour profile that starts the heart racing when looking for a subject to build. Then one sets about looking for reference photos to either confirm the livery or put the aircraft into its proper context. When armed with this information it’s time to plan and start construction of the kit.

This book follows precisely that procedure with the added bonus of providing helpful hints and tips along the way.

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After a brief synopsis of the Battle of Britain, the reader is introduced to 7 models representing 5 of the main combat types. Three different authors take part in the completion of these kits and they are all accomplished modellers in their own rite. The advantage of having a variety of contributors is that a number of different approaches can be conveyed to the reader.

All of the subjects are enhanced with after-market parts in one way or another. Some are photo-etched, others are in resin, but they all allow ample scope for each builder to show their techniques.

1. Adolf Galland’s Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-4/N by Brett Green

This first chapter is typical of the others that follow. The author selects a subject and then presents a logical step-by-step process that culminates in an accomplished example of the original aircraft.

In this case, Eduard’s 1/32 scale offering is the starting point. Inspired by a superb colour profile and numerous period shots of Galland’s steed...the task begins. Accuracy, construction, painting, markings and weathering are all discussed in the text and are complimented by clear photos of the procedure. The latter are in colour and their clarity leaves very little to the imagination.

The early career of Galland is also presented which adds a “human” touch to the subject.

       Kit used – Eduard’s Bf 109 E-4
       Enhancements used – Cutting Edge resin cockpit.

Other chapters follow this formula and cater for the following:

2. Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-3, Yellow 15” of 3./JG 52 by Brett Green.

Kit used - Tamiya’s Bf 109 E in 1:48 scale
Enhancements used - Aires multimedia cockpit set and Ultracast resin accessories.

3. Messerschmitt Bf 110 C,”M8+DP” of II./ZG 76 by Ian Robertson.

   Kit used – Eduard’s Bf 110 C in 1:48 scale
   Enhancements used - Quickboost’s replacement slats, wheels, and exhausts.
   Also included is a section on building Eduard’s ¼ scale Bf 110 instrument panel by Brett Green.

4. Messerschmitt Bf 110 C-7,”U8+GL” of 3./ZG 26 by Brett Green

   Kit used - Dragon’s 1/32 scale Bf 110 C-7
   Enhancements used - An Errata list to correct the problems found on the instruction sheet in the Dragon kit.

5. Junkers Ju 87 B-2 Stuka, “T6+HK” of 3./St.G 2 by Jamie Haggo

   Kit used - Revell/Hasegawa 1:48 scale Junkers Ju 87 B-2 “Stuka”
   Enhancements used - True Details wheels, Eduard photo-etched parts.

6. Heinkel He 111 P, “White E” of KG 55 by Ian Robertson

   Kit used - Hasegawa 1:72 scale Heinkel He 111.
   Enhancements used - Eduard photo-etched interior detail set and canopy masks.

7. Junkers Ju 88 A-1, “9K+EL” of KG 51 by Brett Green

   Kit used - Revell 1:32 scale Junkers Ju 88 A-1.
   Enhancements used - MDC photo-etch harness straps.

By utilizing kits in different scales and having contributions by different authors, the reader gets a real cross- section of techniques to take under their wing.

The work of each participant provides plenty of inspiration and when this is coupled to the wonderful colour profiles and informative text, one can’t help running to the “stash” to see what kits are on offer.

The “Profile to Model” idea is an excellent one and modellers of all skill levels will appreciate this publication.

Review Copyright © 2010 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 2 August, 2010
Last updated 2 August, 2010

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