Vintage Eagle Publishing | Captured Eagles: German WWII Aircraft Captured by the Allies - Volume 1

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.

Written by: Roger S. Gaemperle
ISBN: 978-3-033-03007-7
MSRP: Approximately US$34.25

When this book was first advertised I was very excited to see it. Let’s get one thing straight this is not just another “Broken Eagles” book. This is something a whole lot more.

This limited edition softbound book is printed on 72 high quality A4 pages with over 90 photos, including two color photos. All but three photos have never before been published. Not only have the photos never before been published but there are some extremely rare aircraft included, not the least of which is a new Fw 190D-13 and a Ju 88G-7. Some of the aircraft types covered are the Bf 109G/K, Fw 190A/D, Ju 88A/G/T, Ju 188, Me 410, Me 262, He 162 Ju 290, He 111 and He 219.

The photos were taken by soldiers during the war and are extremely clear and well rendered. The photos are large enough for the modeler and historian to glean the information from them. Most of the photos belong to the author so the photos are direct scans from the original which achieves the best quality. The one aircraft that I loved was new photos of Bf 109G-6/AS “Green 5” which is painted overall black. There are two wartime color photos included featuring a 109 and a He 111.

Besides the great photos there are eight color profiles done up by aviation artist Simon Shatz. Profiles include Bf 109s, Fw 190s and He 162s. The four aircraft on the decal sheets are included in the profiles. These will certainly aid and inspire the modeler.

Another thing that sets this book apart is the inclusion of photos of aircraft parts such as a KG-13B control stick and access panels. These are very helpful with determining the actual aircraft colors.

Unlike most books in this genre the historical aspect is included in the captions. These are not just little descriptions but are in depth analysis and discussions. In most books there would be just a little description and that would be it. Not here. Not only is there more information contained here but you can go online and find out the latest information for each photo.

Still not convinced that this is a unique offering? There is also a decal tie-in for four aircraft. I’ll review them separately because they are quite unique being a blend of dry transfer and Cartograf water slide decals. They cover a Bf 109G-10, two Fw 190s and a He 162. Vintage Eagle also encourages the modeler to submit photos of their models to them for inclusion in the website.

As a total package for the modeler and historian, this book and the accompanying decals, are a superior offering. For an initial offering the publisher is to be commended. This is the first time I can remember where you can find unpublished high quality photos, first rate profiles, great accompanying decals and a way to get up to date information on the photos. I think this ability to get up to date information from the website is a great idea. My hat is off to Vintage Eagle for doing such a professional job.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Vintage Eagle Publishing for the review copy. You can obtain your copy by contacting them at www.vintageeagle.com. Let them know you heard about it from me and from here.

Vintage Eagle Publishing | Captured Eagles: German WWII Aircraft Captured by the Allies - Volume 1

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.

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