Modelling the Messerschmitt Bf 110
by Brett Green
Osprey Modelling Series No.2 |
S
u m m a r y
|
Publisher and Catalogue
Details: |
Osprey Modelling 2: Modelling the
Messerschmitt Bf 110 by Brett Green |
ISBN: |
1-84176-704-2 |
Media and Contents: |
Soft cover, 80 pages plus Luftwaffe
color camouflage guide. |
Price: |
USD$16.97
online from Squadron.com
or
GB£12.99 online from Osprey Publishing |
Review Type: |
FirstRead |
Advantages: |
A thoughtful approach to modeling
that amounts to more than a “how-to” book. |
Disadvantages: |
Some references to unavailable
products. |
Recommendation: |
Highly Recommended to all modelers,
regardless of level of experience. |
Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
Osprey's
"Modelling the Messerschmitt Bf 110" is available online from Squadron.com
Brett Green, the Editor of HyperScale, has written a very enjoyable book that
can be appreciated by modelers at every level of ability; whether a relative
newcomer or an “experten” suffering from Advanced Modeling Syndrome (AMS).
Brett’s book is not the usual linear approach of how to build a specific
aircraft: History of the aircraft, insert tab A into slot B, apply a little
putty, sand and paint and decal this way.
Rather,
Brett’s approach is a conceptual one. To use that great lead in line from the
movie Airplane, Brett asks: “What can you make of this?” Taking a model of a
specific aircraft, in this case the Bf 110, and seeing what can be done right
from the box, or what can be done if you want to take the model and your
modeling skills to the next level. Presenting your finished model in the best
possible light, literally. Making modeling decisions, because you are not 100%
sure about the actual colors. Finally, gracefully recovering from errors, such
as “I glued the wrong nose on!!!”
Brett also conclusively answers one of the most frequently asked questions on
HyperScale, not what is Future called in my country, but rather, how is the 1/48
Fujimi Bf 110 C/D kit? The answer, based on Brett’s work, it builds into a great
model of a Bf 110. After a brief discussion of the history and variants of the
Bf 110, Brett builds the Fujimi kit straight from the box with magnificent
results (OK, he does use Tamiya figures and Fast Frames). Then he goes on to
give ideas as to how to present the model, in this case using Photoshop to
present the aircraft in flight (What he titles this section, not even going to
touch it!). Brett then proceeds to build the same model with all the
embellishments at his disposal – True Details cockpit, Eduard photo-etched,
Cutting Edge details, etc. The unfair part of this is that, as he does note, the
True Details cockpit is no longer produced, as are not the Aeromaster decals for
an all black aircraft of 5/NJG4.
Brett repeats the process all over again, but in the second instance he uses the
various Revell-Monogram G series models. Here we learn that a mere misplacement
of the pitot tube can turn an early Bf 110 G into a late F! As was the case with
the Fujimi kit, Brett succinctly describes the steps one can take to turn a mere
model into something more, even at an out of the box level. Certainly, the
skills called upon are not much more than those possessed by any modeler with a
couple of models under his or her belt.
Even though most of the models were photographed upon the ubiquitous Luftwaffe
hardstand (Weren’t any Luftwaffe aircraft allowed to park on the grass?), Brett
concludes his book by showing how to make a unique display base, a compass swing
platform, based on the Verlinden compass. Again, succinct instructions on
construction, painting, weathering and use of figures.
Some random notes I have, that did not fit into the text. I wish Brett had
expanded his chart showing the basic differences among the actual Bf 110
variants; a little more detail on the differences between the G-2 and G-4 series
would have been helpful. Then there is that very nice Luftwaffe camouflage color
guide at the back. While the colors should not be relied upon as a definitive
guide, it does give a fine sense of the relationship between and among the
various patterns used. Making this color plate a little different is the
inclusion of part of the Balkenkreuz, take a look and you’ll see what I mean.
In conclusion, this book should be standard issue for every new modeler and
regardless of your level of modeling experience, Brett’s book can be an
invaluable or merely valuable resource.
Highly Recommended.
I would like to thank
Osprey Publishing for the review
copy
Follow this link to see an extract
from Osprey's
"Modelling the Messerschmitt Bf 110"
here on HyperScale.
Review Copyright © 2003 by
Steven Eisenman
Page Created 25 September, 2003
Last updated 25 September, 2003
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