The Bf-110 was the result of a world-wide interest in 'heavy' fighters. These were aircraft whose size would allow them to be bomber escorts and yet be able to tackle defending fighters without any problem. Almost all of them had a two or three man crew. Trouble was, the designs were all based on the fighters of the time, which were biplanes. Unfortunately, single engine fighter technology did not sit still while the heavy fighters, or destroyers, were being developed. The result was that they were really unsuited for the task when met by modern single-engined fighters.

In the US, several types were tried, but none really made it to production unless you want to count the P-38, which really wasn't the same as it had but one crewman. In France, several Potez designs were built, in Japan, the Ki-45 was built to the same concept. For the RAF, the Whirlwind could be part of that design, though, like the US, it was crewed by only one.

With the exception of the P-38, none of these planes really met its design goal. The 110 in particular had to have fighter protection of itself, making it rather ludicrous to have a fighter protected by a fighter! Eventually the 110 found a great deal of success as a night fighter and general ground attack aircraft so all was not lost.

The last of the true Zerstorers or Destroyers was the Bf-110C. Later models were all outfitted with various bomb racks and such which took them out of the purvey of pure fighters. It was these 110Cs that were so badly mauled by RAF Spits and Hurricanes. This was quite a blow to the crews who did so well in the campaigns prior to the Battle.

Techmod has produced a sheet that covers three 110Cs. Like other Techmod sheets, this one is beautifully done with decals in crisp registration and having a full suite of data markings. There are unique markings for all three planes and common markings for one. The suggested kit in 1/48 is the only one around and that is Fujimi's rather elderly offering. However, there are aftermarket sets to spruce it up into respectability.

The nice thing about this sheet is that it covers plane with the three major camo schemes of the first two years of the war. The first plane is Wolfgang Falk's M8+GK from 2 ZG 76 in December of 1939. It is in the early war scheme of RLM 70/71/65.

Next is U8+BB, from I/ZG 76, flown by Gunther Sprecht from France in May 1940. This 110 is in RLM 71/02/65 with rather heavy fuselage mottling.

Finally, from I(Z)/JG 77 is Theo Weissenberger's LN+IR, based in Norway in September 1941. It is in the newer RLM 74/75/76 with heavy mottling on the fuselage. I suspect this aircraft was repaired after sustaining damage and repainted in the newer colors as the 110C had been off the production line for at least a year by this time.

As with the other Techmod sheets, they will really add a lot to your next 110C kit and should be sought out.

Review copy courtesy of Air Connection. They have a full selection of Polish and other Eastern European products. When you shop there, say Modeling Madness sent you! Thanks for your support.

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