The Junkers Ju 88: Part 1: V1 to A-17 plus B-series
By Jacob Russell
Airframe & Miniature No.23
Author: Richard A. Franks
Publisher: Valiant Wings
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 272
Valiant Wings’ new Airframe & Miniature volume is devoted to the Junkers Ju-88, the Luftwaffe’s workhorse bomber. The Ju-88 flew in every theater of World War Two and this book is Part 1 of the Ju-88’s history. It covers the aircraft from the V1 prototype to the A-17 model and it includes the development of the B series.
The Junkers Ju-88’s history and development are well covered. The book includes drawings that show the differences between the various marks. The Camouflage & Markings section depicts the variety of camouflage schemes worn by the Ju-88 during World War Two in 54 color profiles. There’s also a useful diagram of the aircraft’s stencil markings.
The Modeling section is comprehensive and it lists the kits currently available in the major scales. It includes builds of 2 of the newer kits, Revell’s 1/72nd scale Ju-88A-1 and ICM’s 1/48th scale Ju-88A-4 (the A-4 is covered in Part 2). After the Kit builds is a section that shows the major variants including prototypes and one-off test aircraft, with callouts that identify specific changes found on each version plus period drawings and photographs. Finally in the back of the book is a set of detailed 1/48th scale plans.
If you are looking for a comprehensive book on modeling the early Junkers Ju-88 this is a great book to have in one’s library. The Airframe & Miniatures books sell out quickly so I would not hesitate too long in getting your own copy. I would like to thank Valiant Wings for the review copy.