SAM Publications

Modellers Datafile #9

The Messerschmitt Bf-109

Part 1: Prototype to 'E' Variants

by Lynn Ritger

Reviewed By Floyd S. Werner, Jr., #26266

ISBN 0-9551858-0-7

The Messerschmitt Bf-109, what else could possibly be written about this enigma?  Well this new book from the SAM Publications Modellers Datafile series does have a lot to add.  The author, Lynn Ritger, is a noted 109 afficiado.  His passion for the aircraft can be demonstrated by the fact that he started a website dedicated to the aircraft.  He is often thought of as an expert on the 109.  After reading this book, I can’t dispute that.

What you get is a softbound book of 175 pages chock full of color and black and white pictures.  Many of these photos are totally new.  Well-captioned photos accompany the historical text.  Oftentimes a historical perspective can be dry and boring; however, that is not the case here.  Lynn’s personality comes out on every page.  The text flows and provides an overview of the 109.  Obviously this publication is slated to the modeler, but there are partial loss lists as well as werk numbers for various countries.

The early revelation is the “finding” of the Bf-109A.  It seems that researchers, Lynn included, found evidence of 22 Bf-109As.  Also Lynn postulates that these aircraft were actually painted silver with natural metal panels and not the common held belief that they were RLM 02 or some other color.  This is something not known until now.  I’m not convinced either way, but that is the fun of modeling Luftwaffe aircraft, especially the Bf-109.  Truthfully, it was probably both, dependent on the particular aircraft.  This research was passed on to Classic Airframes, along with the existence of larger wing slats on these early planes, to help them release an accurate Bf-109A.  That is the level of detail that is present in this book.

One thing that is clearly illustrated is the difference between an E-1 and the E-3 in regards to the wing armament.  There are plenty of photos showing the position of the openings in relationship to each other.

Color profiles by noted illustrator Jerry Boucher are very nicely done.  They cover models from the V-1 to the Emils.  Also included in this section are many color photos, which are perfectly printed and are a valuable asset to modelers.

Not one to shy away from conflicts, Lynn also tackles the color of the later Spanish Civil War Bf-109s.  Colors from a recovered 109 are presented and conclusions are drawn.

Detail drawings are included in Chapter 14.  These drawings are taken from official war publications.  There is a large section on the Bf-109B/C. These drawings will be instrumental in detailing the new Classic Airframes Jumo powered 109s.  The Emil is also included.

During the Spanish Civil War a Bf-109A, coded 6-15, was forced down behind enemy lines and captured intact.  This was bad for the pilot, but great for us.  The aircraft was evaluated by the Russian, who took photos of the airframe.  This is one of the best features of the book.  This Datafile is a one-stop shop for these valuable photos.

Other airframe walk rounds are included and covers Emils throughout the world.  Between the Bf-109A and the Emil walk rounds, this book is worth of every penny.

Well, this is a Modellers Datafile, so you would expect some models to be included; and they are.  Covering 1/72nd and 1/48th aircraft, each build has hints that the modeler can take to the bench and use.  Hasegawa and Tamiya models are used in 1/48th.  MPM and Academy are covered in 1/72nd scale.  Unfortunately, the Classic Airframes 1/48th Bf-109s did not make it to the printers.

There are three pages that any modeler will benefit from.  The chapter is simply called, “What do judges look for?”.  Covered are the unique aspects to the 109, but the hints will work for any aircraft model in any scale.

Such a popular aircraft as the Bf-109 spawned many kits, aftermarket parts, and decals.  Lynn tried to include as many as he could, so you can look here to see what you want to add to your Augsburg Eagle.

A Bibliography is included in the Appendixes, along with lists of the Units that used the 109.  Another appendix covers the Airframes and Production runs.

Well you have detail drawings, color profiles, color pictures what else could you possibly add?  How about ACCURATE 1/48th drawings of the airframes from the Bf-109A to the E-7 version?  It would have been nice to have drawings of the Bf-109T, but the quality of the provided drawings by Jacek Jackiewicz is exquisite. 

OK, I think it is time for a recap.  Lots of photos with many unpublished ones, color photos, color profiles, easy reading, accurate drawings, modelers notes, how to beat the judges makes this the best of the Modellers Datafiles.  If you had to buy just one reference book on the early Bf-109s this would be the one.  It includes just about everything you could possible want to build a model of the early Bf-109s.  This is an excellent book, especially since it is Lynn’s first book.  Job well done.  I personally can’t wait for the next one on the F-Hispanos.  While the price may turn some people off, the level of information included makes this book well worth the cost.  Buy this book and you will not be disappointed.

I highly recommend this Modellers Datafile.

You can obtain this book, as well as, the other Datafiles from SAM publications at www.sampublications.com or your local hobby shop.  A word of caution: all the other Datafiles are out of production so you better get this one while it is available.

Thanks to SAM Publications for the review copy.

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