Military Model Scene

Title:  Messerschmitt Bf 109 E

Author: Robert Peczkowski

Publisher:  MMP

ISBN:  978-83-65281-30-2

​

Another fine 144-page hardback from MMP Books, and this one focussing on the specific variant of the 109E, or Emil.  There are many books on the 109 though I rather like this one for just keeping it confined to the E, which of all of them happens to be my favourite one.  I think that is something to do with my long term interest in the Battle of Britain but there is just something about it.  The earlier variants used Jumo engines (though the first prototype actually had a Rolls Royce Kestrel).  When the E came along they changed it to a Daimler Benz 601A, which also introduced Fuel Injection.  This resulted in other changes such as a longer fuselage, new cooling systems, propellers and other modifications.  

The Introduction is followed by a chapter detailing all the prototypes through to the V15a.  Then is moves on to tackle the Prodcution versions and this does include a number of archive photos and excerpt drawings from the original Technical Manuals plus some modern 1/72 scale drawings.  As with other chapters, this also includes several pages of excellent colour profiles, showing a variety in camouflage schemes and markings.  That is in turn followed by the Specifications and a list of Serial/Construction Numbers.

The next section of the book looks at Foreign Emils, of which there were a surprising number, supplied to Bulgaria, Hungary, Japan, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Slovakia, Yugoslavia and the USSR.

Starting at page 79, the final element of the book looks at the Emil 'In Detail'.  This examines all the different elements of the aircraft, such as engine, cockpit, undercarriage, wings, engine and so on.  Again this is illustrated with extracts from original Technical Manuals along with some archive photos but also a host of modern close-up photos of preserved examples now held in various museum collections.  The aviation historian will enjoy this one, while modellers will find it a real boon to have this level of detail which could help enhance a model, while the colour profiles will also offer some good inspiration for your next model I think.

​

Thanks to MMP Books, who kindly provided my review copy.

​

Robin