Richthofen's Eleven: Jasta 11
By Andre R. Zbiegniewski
Kagero Publications, ©2005
ISBN 83-89088-54-1
Softbound, 72 Pages
Available from Squadron for $19.96
Kagero's latest title in their 'Legends of Aviation' series is out,
and it is bound to make the mouths of WWI modelers water. This new series
by Kagero focuses entirely on the aircraft and pilots of World War One.
This third title looks at the famous Jasta 11, with its very attractively
colored aircraft matching the very colorful history of the unit. The
text combines personal recollections with detailed research and carefully
relates the story of Richthofen's Eleven.
Like other Kagero titles, this one begins with a bit of an attention
grabber, an anecdote of Lothar von Richthofen taking off on an early
morning mission in 1918. With interest suitably peaked, the text takes
the reader through a chronological history of Jasta 11, mapping the highs
and lows and placing the reader on the front during the Great War. While
this is titled Richthofen's Eleven, there are plenty of other pilots
covered, such as Hermann Goering and Werner Voss.
In addition to the great text, there are plenty of photos to show the
aircraft and people of Jasta 11. While some of the photos are common,
there are several that are new, at least to me. The captions are informative
(although the authors do not take a stand on the color of Voss' cowl).
In addition to the great photo coverage, there are several color profiles
showing the different aircraft and color schemes worn. Like other Kagero
books, this one presents some of those color schemes as decals, in 1/72
and 1/48, on a sheet printed by Techmod. A total of ten aircraft are
presented on the decal sheet, which is nicely printed.
This is an excellent addition to any World War One library, and the
addition of a nicely printed decal sheet will further increase appeal
to modelers. With the great number of WWI aircraft released by companies
such as Eduard and Roden, among others, this book is timely and welcome.
My thanks to Squadron for the review copy.
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