Teodor Liviu Morosanu and Dan Melinte author the sixth book in Mushroom Model Publications’ series that presents detailed illustrations of celebrated aircraft (and in one case, AFV). This volume’s focus is on the Messerschmitt Bf 109E and Bf 109G fighters that display a variety of authentic Romanian camouflage schemes and markings. This is also one of Teodor Liviu Morosanu’s last books as the back cover shows a photo of him with the tagline of “1956-2011”
There are forty profiles of Messerschmitt Bf 109E and Bf 109G aircraft in Romanian markings covered. In some cases, both sides of the subject aircraft are presented as well as top and bottom plan views. Where appropriate, enlarged scrap views focus on unique markings. All of the subject aircraft have a short biography that discusses the camouflage in RLM colors as well as the pilots and service history where available. I found the last aircraft portrayed quite interesting as it carried a large American flag on the fuselage. It was used to transport Lt. Col. James A. Gunn III, the highest ranking USAAF prisoner of war held in Romania on a secret diplomatic mission. Mushroom Model Publications’ has provided a page by page preview at: http://mmpbooks.biz/ksiazki/314
The Table of Contents includes the following sections:
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 E
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 E Camouflage and Markings
- Messerschmitt Bf 109G
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 G Camouflage and Markings
- Cockades
- Cross Examples
- Profiles
- Selected Bibliography
This edition of ‘Spotlight On’ provides an interesting view into a lesser known chapter in aviation history. The text and captions are well translated into English thanks to Radu Brinzan, alleviating the need to bone up on your foreign language reading skills. A quick search of the wild world web shows that there are plenty of Bf 109E and Bf 109G decals in Romanian markings, so re-creating any of the featured aircraft should be of no issue.
My thanks to Mushroom Model Publications and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great book.
Highly recommended!
