Military Model Scene

Title: Dornier Do 17
Author: Chris Goss
Publisher: Frontline Books
ISBN: 978-1-84832-471-8

Part of the Air War Archive series from Frontline Books, an imprint of Pen and Sword. This is a set of archive photos focusing on the Luftwaffe's Flying Pencil bomber. A 136-page softcover book, which is in the usual style for this series, similar in look and feel to their Images of War books, and another in the series by author Chris Goss.
The Introduction to the book is the text that tells us the basics of the development of the Dornier 17, from a fast mail/cargo plane for civilian operations in the mid-1930s to becoming the main Luftwaffe light-bomber in the opening years of WW2. It also gives a brief guide to the different variants of the aircraft and their eventual fates. That leaves the five sections of the book to concentrate on the fine archive photo collection that we find filling the rest of the book. These include the Early Development and Pre-War Deployment: The Attack on Poland: War in the West: The Battle of Britain and the Blitz: and finally, After the Blitz, 1941 and Beyond. After the initial versions, the thin fuselaged 'Flying Pencil' the Dornier 17 did 'fill-out a bit' in the later versions. Originally used as a light bomber they suffered at the hand of the RAF during the Battle of Britain and while still in use for the invasion of Russia in 1941 they were steadily replaced. While they did do some good work as a nightfighter, as they were removed from Luftwaffe front-line service they were supplied to various allies, such as Finland, Romania and Bulgaria all used them. A large number of the pictures show wrecked aircraft in a variety of place but also show some great detail in terms of camouflage patterns and markings, including many unit badges. There others showing them with their crews on airfields, particularly in France, which also are likely to inspire some modellers for a diorama or two. Not always housed within hangers, some kept under camouflage netting I think will be very tempting as a display option. There are also some pictures showing rare examples such as a Do 17Z-10, fitted with Spanner Anlage, an infra red illuminator fitted in the nose of the aircraft.
All in all an interesting book, both for WW2 aircraft enthusiasts and modellers alike. A fine collection of rare archive images collected together with useful captions.
Thanks to Frontline Books and Pen & Sword for the review copy.

Robin