REVIEW

Osprey Masterclass Luftwaffe Fighter Building

by Aaron Pfau

World War 2 Luftwaffe Fighter Modelling
by Geoff Coughlin

Osprey Publishing 2000

128 Pages, Hardback, Full Color
Retail Price $29.95US



Put simply, this book is a must have for any beginning modeler, Luftwaffe enthusiast, or anyone wanting to improve their aircraft modeling skills! This hardcover book by Osprey Publishing is among the best "how-to" books I've seen available to scale modelers. Its literally jam-packed with beautiful color photographs and up-to-date information. The author, Geoff Coughlin, starts you off with a tour of his workbench and takes you step by step through the entire modeling process ending with a gallery of his masterfully constructed models. Coughlin's book includes all of the basics, and works its way up into advanced topics like resin and photo-etch aftermarket accessories, so there is something here for everyone!

Don't be fooled by the title! While the title suggests this book is specific to Luftwaffe Fighters, its content is entirely applicable to any type of aircraft modeling. Coughlin takes us step by step through his toolbox and explains all the implements one requires for successful construction. He clearly explains the different types of glues, chemicals, and paints that are available to modelers and their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, Coughlin discusses the importance of collecting scratchbuilding materials like plastic stock, photo-etch screening, various gauges of wires, and many, many other materials. 

This useful book describes the entire modeling process, from collecting reference to selecting the right kit, finding aftermarket accessories, construction, painting, detailing, and finishing. I also like that it is completely up-to-date, and the tools, glues, and chemicals Coughlin describes are readily available today. The color photography is especially well done and in my mind is absolutely necessary for an effective how-to book. There's nothing more frustrating than reading how to paint or weather a model when all the pictures are in black and white!

My only warning is if you're looking for a book that is focused on in-depth information about Luftwaffe fighters, this book may not be for you. While Coughlin does discuss several manufacturers of Luftwaffe kits, I would not call this book an exhaustive research. However, he does cover most of the different Luftwaffe paint schemes, and shows several techniques for airbrushing them. Also, he has several lists of resources and books for Luftwaffe research.

As you can see, I highly recommend this book, I refer to it quite often in spite of the fact that I have yet to build a German Luftwaffe fighter!

But I do have one in my closet...

Aaron