This continues MMM's superlative series of monographs with the Messerschmitt Me-410. Inside its 120 pages you will find  a history of the type, scale drawings, close-up detail photos of extant machines and a bevy of outstanding profiles.

We start off with a background history of the type beginning with the woefully unsuccessful Me-210. Though it certainly looked like a potent aircraft, it was an ill-handling beast that few pilots actually liked. Increasing the fuselage length helped, but as always seems the case, it took several years to develop. Adding more powerful engines finally resulted in an aircraft that was originally intended in 1939, but when it 'hit the streets' in 1943/44 as the Me-410, it had been made obsolete by events.

The opening portion of the book is the background history section. In here are superb period photos of the aircraft during development. It also includes a complete variants section along with very well done drawings showing the differences between them. And speaking of drawings, a separate fold out sheet is included with detailed top, bottom, and head-on drawings in 1/72 on one side and a highly detailed cutaway on the other.

This blends into the next section which are detail photos of extant machines. Interspersed with this section are period photos and sections taken from constructors drawings and maintenance manuals. Including this material goes quite a long way to enhancing the book and is a real boon to modelers. This is followed by 15 pages of beautifully drawn profiles of different variants. 

Overall an outstanding book and one that is a real must for those who are interested in Luftwaffe types. It is also an excellent value.

June 2006

Review book courtesy of Mushroom Models Publications.

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