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• Internet Modeler • 2009-03-24
• Modeling Madness • 2009-03-24
• Scale Aviation Modeller International 2001-06 • 2001-06-01

• Internet Modeler • 2009-03-24
  Reviewed by Ray Mehlberger
  
  This is the third book, in this series, that this reviewer has had the oportunity to review. Previous titles, that appeared in past issues of Internet Modeler, have been "Messerschmitt Bf 109 G", and "Werner VATI Molders". Like the previous books, this new one was first published in the Polish language. Mushroom Model Magazine has issued it now in English.
  
  The aim of this book, as with the first one in the Yellow Series (Messerschmitt Bf109G) is to show the main differences between versions of the Messerschmitt Bf109E "Emil".
  
  As with the Bf109G book, there is no room to describe the evolution of the "Emil" or the history of all "Emil" prototypes. Lovers of detailed technical descriptions and also all of you who like to read battle stories might be disappointed. But all of you, who would like to know how the Bf10E changed during production, and how to recognize different versions, should be delighted.
  
  Mushroom Model Magazine says that it may have been better to have printed this book, BEFORE they did the one on the "G", but in spite of the same Bf109 name the "Emil" and the "Gustaf" are rather different aircraft. So the books can be read in any order.
  
  The book is, again, in the same 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" page format with a soft cover, (very reminiscant of the Osprey series of aircraft books). It contains 79 pages.
  
  You will find a wealth of information in this book. Included are 43 black and white photos, 2 charts that give specifications for various marks of the "Emil", 27 line drawings showing fuselage profiles and top views...plus a three view of an engine. There are also 24 photos and illustrations out of what must have been the tech manuals for the "Emil". Then we get 90 color photos of various parts of 2 different "Emil's" that reside in the RAF Hendon Museum (UK). Included in the color photos are 4 that are wartime photos. The icing on the cake is the 20 color profile paintings for 17 Luftwaffe aircraft, and one each for Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Yugoslavia.
  
  The chapters in the book cover versions E-O through the E-9...plus tropical versions. There are chapters on wing, fuselage, cockpit, engine, tail, and undercarriage arrangements. These chapters include lots of walk-around type photography showing individual areas of the "Emil".
  
  If you love to model Me-109's, and in particular the "Emil", this is a MUST HAVE book. Well worth the cover price and highly recommended.
• Modeling Madness • 2009-03-24
  Reviewed by Scott Van Aken
  
  From Mushroom Model Publications comes one of a series of special books. Others in the series are/will focus on events or personalities. This one focuses on the equipment; specifically the Bf-109E. Now those that know me are aware that I am a dyed-in-the-wool 109 nut. I like everything about the aircraft and eagerly read up on anything I find of interest about the aircraft. It was with much delight when I opened up a parcel from Mushroom Model Publications and found this book in it.
  
  The book is approximately the same size as the Osprey publications and contains 80 pages of photos and drawings. There are also a large number of color profiles and color photos of various museum and warbird 109Es to help illustrate the book. All of the images and drawings are very sharp and well done. A large number of illustrations are taken out of a maintenance handbook to help to show the differences between the sub types.
  
  The author states in the opening section that this book is not a detailed history, nor does it go into depth on technical descriptions or have any war stories. The purpose of this book is to show "...how the Bf-109E changed during production, and how to recognize different variants....". In that, the book is spot on and succeeds admirably at its task.
  
  The book is broken down as such:
  
  A very brief history with data sheet
  
  A large section on versions. Each page in this takes a specific point of view and illustrates it with both drawings, diagrams, period photos and photos of museum aircraft. Leaves no doubt at all as to what goes with what variant.
  
  A couple of pages of profiles
  
  The 'Details' section. Here is where you get a number of images from museum aircraft as well as pages from tech manuals to show what each section of the aircraft looks like. Interspersed with all this are color profiles as well as some period photographs.
  
  The profiles in particular are very well done, with only two to a page so they are really quite large.
  
  I can't say enough about how truly helpful this book will be to those modeling the Bf-109E. If you are just interesting the aircraft and want to know the differences between the subtypes, this is a nice, easy reference. If you are a superdetailer kind of modeler, you will find this indispensable.
  
  In case you cannot already guess, this book is highly recommended!
• Scale Aviation Modeller International 2001-06 • 2001-06-01