Reviewed by Brett Green

Kagero's Messerschmitt Bf 110 Vol. I  is available online from Squadron.com

Kagero commences coverage of one of the most maligned, yet operationally versatile and long serving, types in Luftwaffe service, the Messerschmitt Bf 110. This first volume covers a description of development and variants, and also provides a bonanza for modellers with a comprehensive section of plans for the Bf 110A through D.

The book is presented in typical Kagero style. This A4 sized title has 100 pages printed on glossy paper between cardboard covers, plus a single A3 fold out page with 1/48 scale plans. The left hand column of each page in the text section is printed in Polish and the right hand column in English. The captions and colour artwork receive a similar approach with the Polish language first followed by the English translation.

The book starts with a first hand story of two early night fighter operations, but he bulk of the first 72 pages is a description of the development and variants of the Bf 110 series from prototype to Bf 110G. Wartime photos of all variants are interspersed with the text. Camouflage and markings are also discussed in this section.

27 pages of the book are devoted to technical drawings of the Bf 110A, B, C and D. There are 1/48 and 1/72 scale drawings supplemented with scrap views detailing specific parts of interest of the airframe plus ordnance. These are all very well done. In addition to these, though, Kagero includes a series of drawings that point out the incremental differences between Bf 110 variants. The distinguishing factors are illustrated with shading and also described in accompanying text. Kagero has been employing this feature for a while now, and I think that it is one of the real benefits of the "Monographs" series..

More profiles on the inside front and both sides of the back cover, round out this publication.

A decal sheet is also included with the book. The decals are in 1/72 and 1/48 scales and are printed by Techmod.

Markings are offered for two different aircraft in both scales, "3U + KS" in desert colours, and "G9 + DC>", a Bf 110G..

The decal sheet is thoughtfully packed into a sealed plastic bag.

In addition to the decals, Kagero also provides a canopy mask - almost an essential item considering the large glasshouse canopy with its complex framing.

This is an excellent reference on the Bf 110 that will be particularly useful for modellers building the early variants (Fujimi in 1/72  and 1/48 scales). Presumably the next volume will cover operational history plus diagrams for the E, F and G. .

Recommended.