Valiant Wings Messerschmitt Me 262 Airframe & Miniature No. 1
By Matt Bittner
Author: Richard A Franks
Publisher: Valiant Wings Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-0567198-0-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 112
One of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War was the Me 262 built by Messerschmitt. While it wasn't the first jet aircraft to fly, it was the first to fly in combat. There are tons of references on the type in the world, so you might be wondering why this one? Why another book on the Me 262?
Well, first and foremost, if you have no other Me 262 references, and you're looking for something to help you build a model, then this is the book for you. The following is the chapter breakout:
Airframe Chapters
- Evolution: The 'V' Series
- Testing: The 'S' Series
- Production: The 'A' Series
- The B and C Series & Drawing Board Projects
- Camouflage & Markings
Color Profiles
Miniature Chapters
- Building a Selection
- Building a Collection
- In Detail: The Me 262A/B plus the Avia S.92/CS.92
Bibliography
Kits
While the "Airframe Chapters" are a pretty high-level look at the making of the aircraft, they give a pretty clear showing of all versions and their differences. Not only are there photographs and drawings to show these differences, but each version also contains a small text section, outlining the same. In addition, these paragraphs provide a general color call-out for the airframes, but of course these are only generalites so it's best to model from photographs.
The "Miniature Chapters" are a great start on what are the authors consider the best models in three scales - 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32. For the first two scales they showcase two model manufacturers, discussing the pluses and minuses for each model. In 1/32 they only mention one manufacturer - Trumpeter. I feel, though, they actually did a disservice to another scale that is well represented - 1/144. There are two companies that have put out exceptional 1/144 Me 262s, and not to discuss this scale was a mistake, I feel. 1/144 is definitely up and coming, and with the high level of detail in not only the Me 262 kits (by Eduard and Trumpeter) but in general, will definitely go toe-to-toe with any other scale.
Yes, the 1/144 (and all scales) kits are mentioned in the kit listing, but to actually not treat the 1/144 kits as the serious models they are in the "Building a Selection" chapter was a mistake.
The second, main chapter in the "Miniature Chapters" is a high-level treatise on how you can build each and every version of the Me 262, and what needs to be deleted/added.
According to an insert in the package the book came in, there will be documents on their site outlining all aftermarket products available. It wasn't there as I am typing these words, but hopefully it will be there soon. I'm also hoping Valiant Wings will make it a "living document". The modeling aftermarket is so volatile that changes can come fast and furious.
If you're looking for a "one-stop-shop" type of book on the Me 262, then this is definitely the book to buy. Plenty of historical facts for the curious and lots to keep the modeler happy. If you have a lot of rerences on the type already, then there are only two sections that might interest you - the color, walk-around photos and the modeling chapters. Whether or not you purchase the book in that instance (having multiple Me 262 references) will be your call.
I'm thankful for the book and can definitely recommend it. I'm not a huge Me 262 fan, but would like to build one some day, and as I have no Me 262 references, this one is perfect. As I mentioned already, the proverbial "one-stop-shop". My thanks to Valiant Wings Publishing for the review book.