Mushroom Model Publications

Henschel Hs 129 Orange Series No. 8110

by  Denes Bernad

Reviewed By  Phil Pignataro, IPMS# 17254

MSRP: £17.99 (~$26.69) ISBN: 978-83-89450-46-3 Website: www.mmpbooks.biz US Distributor - Casemate Publsihing (www.casematepublishing.com) Don't let the diminutive size of this book fool you, its 178 pages are packed full with valuable information. Logically, the author begins with a detailed look at the Luftwaffe's specifications for this aircraft, its conception, and early development. These specifications sounded very much like what I imagine the current USAF A-10's specs were: close air support of ground troops and the destruction of enemy armor. Bernard discusses the early testing and subsequent employment of the early "A" model through the later "B-2" and "B-3" versions. Engine problems plagued the Hs129 throughout its career and these difficulties are thoroughly documented. Details abound here and all of this discussion is supported by numerous photos and 1/72 scale drawings (a 1/48 scale drawings fold-out is also included separately). Next, the aircraft's operational deployment to Russia and its brief appearance in North Africa are covered with in-depth accounts of some of the bigger battles. Hs129 pilots and ground crews worked under extremely harsh conditions very close to the front lines of the fighting.

The author provides a "Details" section, consisting of twenty-eight pages of drawings and close-up photos of various parts of the aircraft. These appear to be taken from contemporary training and maintenance manuals of the aircraft. This particular section is a wonderful reference for any modeler wanting to enhance a kit of the Hs129. There are also thirty-one pages of color profiles of the various camouflage schemes and unit markings. A couple of the field-applied winter schemes have whetted my appetite to get started on my Italeri Hs129. I whole heartedly recommend this book. It should be of great value to the historian, modeler, and anyone interested in WW II aviation. My thanks go to Dr. Roger Wallsgrove of Mushroom Model Publications and John Noack of IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this publication.