Airframe Album 6, The Focke Wulf Fw189 UHU, by Richard A. Franks, Valiant Wings Publishing

Airframe Album 6, The Focke Wulf Fw189 UHU, by Richard A. Franks, Valiant Wings Publishing

The sixth title in the Airframe Album series, is all about the Fw189 UHU, complements the Airframe Detail title on its rival, the Blohm & Voss Bv141, and will be an “all–in-one” essential companion for anyone tackling the MPM, Italeri, Airfix, Revell, Great Wall Hobby and forthcoming HPH kits.

Contents include:

  • A wealth of historical photographs 
  • Walkaround pictures 
  • Detailed study of the structure, equipment and armament used
  • Isometric views by Wojciech Sankowski of all prototype and production airframes
  • More than 25 Colour profiles and camouflage detail by Richard J. Caruana
  • At least 112 pages in total
  • Lists of all Fw 189 kits, accessories and decals produced in all scales

This title follows the format already laid out in this series and this is a good thing, as we have been very impressed by all of the books in the series so far. The book is an A4 format in softcover. Included are mostly black and white photos, some coloured shots and several black/white and colour profiles and aircraft artwork. Also included in the book is information on the models of this aircraft and their markings, as well as technical illustrations and walk around images of the aircraft.

The book is divided into four main parts: First, technical description, second, evolution of the Fw189, third, camouflage & markings and fourth, modelling of the “Uhu” where all available kits, books and aftermarket items of Fw189 are reviewed, so the modeller can make his choice.

In the introduction and preface of the book the author, Mr Richard A. Franks, explains the genesis of this twin boom Luftwaffe aircraft. From design, conception of wire, wood and canvass to the first prototypes, the small nosed attack version and the round nosed types to the multi-glaze panelled aircraft.

There are also aircraft specifications in a detailed table and a limited look at the service life of the Uhu. Right through from training in 1939 till the Desert Front and then war in the East, where it was successful as a reconnaissance aircraft. The high value of the aircraft and the later loss rate and switch to night operations is briefly discussed in this part. We also look at the ally states of Nazi Germany and their use of the Uhu in operation service. Bulgarian, Hungarian, Rumanian and Slovakian air forces used this plane during WW2.

50 pages of technical Description of the Fw-189 follows. This is the first and largest part of the book and give the reader an inside out understanding of this type. From manual illustrations, photographs of isolated parts and sub-assemblies and complete airframes, to armament and technical equipment it is all described in detail: Cockpit photos with all instrument panels, gunsight, crew seats, radio equipment, external access panels, flaps, trim tabs, etc. Many diagrams show the construction of each sub-assembly, so the modeller can easily copy them in plasticard.

Rare and sub-types are also shown with several shots of unfamiliar parts well described and explained. The detailed Argus engines (5 pages with 25 photos) and internal structures and fuel tanks, equipment, cameras, landing gear and electrical parts are all there.

The second part, the evolution (15 pages) is critical if you want to understand how the initial aircraft became what it was and the differences in-between. Almost 50 black and white (isometric) 3D views of all prototype and production airframes help the reader to understand how and when small and large changes happened and why they were adapted. Ground attack, ski equipped and floatplanes are all part of the many types listed. Useful captions accompany each view to explain the differences of the too many versions (more than you could imagine!).

The third part is Camouflage & Markings, where we get colourful with the help of some useful black and white along with some rare colour period photos of the Fw189. Richard J. Caruana adds aircraft art to these pictures and descriptions as the author takes us through the variations in service. Mr. Caruana then gives us six and a half pages of 25 colour profiles.

The fourth and final part of the book is the scale modelling section. It is a chapter that shows & describes the built of two models: a Condor Model in 72nd scale by Libor Jekl in a very attractive white winter version of the Uhu, the other by Steve Evans of the Great wall Hobby Fw189 in 48th scale (also in white/winter scheme but with more obvious the green splinter pattern beneath)

The last pages are devoted to a comprehensive list of all Fw189 kits, accessories and decals produced in all scales with many photographs. Also there is a list of all the known books on the Uhu.

Surely the authors, publishers and contributors have done a great job on describing in depth & detail this interesting aircraft together in one place. No Luftwaffe enthusiast and/or modeller should miss it, as it worths every penny indeed. Highly recommended!
The book is available from all good hobby stores and specialist bookshops (price 16.95 GBP or about 23 euros)

Orders can be made via the Valiant Wings website http://www.valiant-wings.co.uk/airframe-album-no6-526-p.asp

By phone: 01234 273434 (+44 1234 273434 if calling from outside the UK), or by writing to:

Valiant Wings Publishing

8 West Grove

Bedford

MK40 4BT

 

 

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