The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Early Series, Airframe & Miniature 5, by Richard A. Franks (Valiant Wings)
This is the fifth title in the Airframe & Miniature series from Valiant Wings Publishing. The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is an iconic aircraft with the Early series aircraft differing significantly from later models in terms of detail and this title clarifies all those distinguishing features. This new title will prove popular amongst not only WWII Luftwaffe modellers but also aviation historians and enthusiasts. The Bf 109 early series span from the experimental versions, through to the E’s and the Naval “T” series of aircraft, right up to the end of that line (before the “F”, “G” and “K” models took over). You can read our review for the second volume (Bf109 Late Series - F to K and Z) here.
Valiant Wings Publishing Airframe & Miniature series No.5
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Early Series (V1 to E-9 including T-series) - A Complete Guide to the Luftwaffe’s Famous Fighter
Author: Richard A. Franks
208 pages
English language
Softcover A4 size
ISBN 978-0-9567198-7-4
Price: £19.95
Packed with vital historic, technical & scale modelling information:
40+ pages of technical information
20+ pages of walkaround images and technical diagrams
30+ pages of camouflage and markings
25+ pages of model builds and modelling information
200+ photographs including wartime images
50+ Colour side views and four-views by Richard Caruana
80+ 3D isometric views of all variants by Jacek Jackiewicz
Extensive 1:32, 1:48 and 1:72 scale kit builds
Two sets of fold-out 1:48 scale plans
As a pure one-stop-shop/all-in-one this title is going to be hard to beat. It contains all most modellers will need to see in a good model reference title. Many of the period images won’t be new to you if you are well into your subject, but some will be, as will the line drawings and profiles.
Structure of the book…
Evolution. The book starts with the genesis of the aircraft, through the development of the fighter in 1933, after winning the He112 competition. The type broke several records, which are discussed as well before we go -variant by variant- through the development of the fighter. Through the early “V” series to the “B” and “C” series, some of which served in the Spanish Civil war. For each of the aircraft there are side profiles of the shape of the aircraft, werk numbers, including notes if they were a limited production or record attempt, and details on their camouflage and markings.
The first chapter (4 pages) examines the first three Bf 109 prototypes (the V1, V2 and V3), describing key identifying features of each airframe before moving on to a similar treatment of their camouflage and markings. The text is backed up by selected period photos and black-and-white profiles of the three aircraft.
Bf 109 B series (Chapter 2 - 12 pages with many b/w profiles). A number of B series pre-production machines are described in the same manner as above, before outlining the differences between BFW-, Fieseler- and Erla-built production Bf 109 Bs. The information here is very useful clarifying the Bf 109’s complicated early development.
Bf 109 C and D series (Chapter 3 - 7 pages). Deals with these two variants that saw limited production and are frequently confused with one another.
Bf 109 E prototypes & pre-production (Chapter 4 - 8 pages). This section provides the most detailed coverage of the Bf 109 E prototypes and pre-production machines.
Bf 109 E Production (Chapter 5 -14 pages). It covers the E-1 to the E-9/N Tropical and everything in between.
Bf 109 T Series, Projects and One-Off Conversions (Chapter 6 - 6 pages). This chapter presents a helpful chronology of the development of the Bf 109 T, before examining the Bf 109S two-seat trainer and the sole Pratt and Whitney-engined V21 and Spanish Hispano-Suiza-engined E-1 conversions.
Camouflage and markings (Chapter 7 - 31 pages). The author tackles the subject of early Bf 109 camouflage. He begins with a detailed look at the colours of Bf 109s in Spain before turning the evolution of camouflage on Luftwaffe machines, and then concluding with a discussion of the finish applied foreign-operated Bf 109s. The last 14 pages of this chapter are full of 50+ colour profiles by Richard Caruana, overhead views, stencil placement guides and unit badges, which will be useful to anyone looking for inspiration for a Bf 109 project.
Bf 109 V1 to E-9 and T-series kits (Chapter 8 – 16 pages). The first of the modelling-specific chapters, this section describes in depth all kits of early Bf 109s that have so far been released. The accuracy of the kit, the panel lines, decals, and special features are all mentioned for anyone wanting to make their own kit. This part definitely saves the modeller a lot of money, time and frustration!
Building a Selection (Chapter 9 – 18 pages). Well-known and talented modelers Libor Jekl and Steve A. Evans build and paint selected 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 Bf109 kits, describing the pluses and minuses of each along the way. The quality of the builds is very high. Due to lack of space no Hasegawa or Tamiya 1/48th scale builds are included, but kits from MPM, Tamiya, Airfix and Eduard (seven models in total) are very representative in all three major scales. A wise compromise to our opinion as the internet is full of Tamiya 48th scale builds and the reader prefers to see more space devoted to the real aircraft.
Building a Collection (Chapter 10 – 22 pages). This chapter highlights, by way of front-quarter view grayscale drawings, the key identifying features of all Bf 109 variants from the V1 to the V21 – with more than 80 detailed 3D isometric views of all prototype and production variants for those wishing to build a collection. They show a better angle than just a side on look, werk numbers, how the airframe has been modified from a previous version, special minor differences, etc.
In Detail (Chapter 11 – 43 pages). Walkaround photographs of examples of the aircraft and the coverage here is extensive. This chapter uses a combination of technical drawings and period and contemporary photographs to provide what can only be described as a super-walkaround of most early Bf 109 variants. This “walk around” section displays textbook drawings, part breakdowns in service manuals and often coloured pictures for each part of the aircraft. Four aircraft were studied and the pictures here are excellent. These detailed drawings will help scratchbuilders especially but help us all to understand what is going on inside the aircraft structure and sub-system functions.
There are also four Appendices, which address the following subjects:
Bf 109 V1 to E-9 (including T-series): extensive and comprehensive kit listings. All the kits are listed in closely typed, small font, filling four pages.
Bf 109 V1 to E-9 (including T-series): Accessory list (4 pages).
Bf 109 V1 to E-9 (including T-series): Decal list (8 pages)
Bibliography: A very extensive detailed reference bibliography
No less than 16 pages of folding plans in 1/48 scale have been fastened inside the back cover, on thick, good quality mat heavy paper, focusing on the V1, B-0, D-1, E-1, E-7 Trop, and T-2. These scale plans are a true bonus, especially if you plan to rivet your model or are looking to upgrade one of the many kits available.
In conclusion…
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Early Series’ (together with the second volume dealing with Late Series) are the best titles yet published in the Airframe and Miniature series. There is a balance between historical analysis and modeling advice, as well as sheer volume of material and plenty of information provided. You will definitely want both books to be on your workbench for your next Bf 109 project. Highly recommended - if you want to get the best out of your Bf 109 projects!
