Book Review: Kagero-Messerschmitt Bf-109E-Vol. I
By Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Title: Kagero-Messerschmitt Bf-109E-Vol. I
Author: Jakub Plewka
ISBN:978-83-60445-42-6
Cost: $34.99
The Messerschmitt Bf-109 was the most prolific fighter
aircraft ever produced. This softbound book from Kagero focuses on the Emil version. Built before
the outbreak of hostilities, the Emil was the 109 that took the Luftwaffe through the first years of the war.
The book is similar to their other offerings; however, there is no Polish in it with the exception of the
captions for the color profiles.
The photos are very large and extremely clear. The detail will be invaluable to the modeler. Some
photos are a full page. All versions of the Emil, including the Swiss ones, are discussed. The photos are
just one aspect of this book, there are four view line drawings depicting ever version, as well as, color profiles
of approximately a dozen aircraft. Since the Emil went through an adaptive period of camouflage some very
colorful machines are shown in the profiles.
Kagero is well known for the great pictures and the impressive line drawings but what they have been
doing with this series is the surprise inside, sort of like Cracker Jacks, except different. In this particular
volume you are treated to decals with markings for five aircraft, including Rolf Pringle's E-4. The decals are
in the three major scales, 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/32nd.
There is a section on the Emil's construction, the adaptive camouflage and finally one section on the
employment of the 109 in combat. The text is very well written and easy to read. Sometimes in foreign
publications there are some issues with the translation but not in this volume. You'll be able to read this in
one sitting.
Large clear pictures, excellent line drawings and colorful profiles all equal a great investment.
Highly recommended
Thanks to Aeroplane Books for the review copy. To obtain your copy contact them at
https://www.aeroplanebooks.com/. Let them know you heard about it here and check out the other great books on the site, including many out of print volumes.
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