Osprey Publishing continues to expand its Combat Aircraft line of books. This time with the title Luftwaffe Mistel Composite Bomber Units.

This book, like all the other in the series, is very well researched and profusely illustrated with period pictures. Where relevant, it includes pictures of different pilots (including a few allied pilots) whose diaries and exploits are covered in the book.

The different chapters of the book covers the history of the Mistel units in a chronological way, from its beginning as a way to deliver gliders (rather than towing them it was considered to have a composite Bf-109/DFS 230) and its transition to an offensive weapon via the delivery of a modified war-weary bomber airframe.

This kit is presented in a throw-back to 1971 complete with period packaging.

Molded in white, it can be built with a detailed motor or with a promo-style motor plate option, features include wild psychedelic decals, a few custom pieces and a miniature display kit box. Skill Level 2. The manufacturer claims that the kit is supposed to include pad printed slicks, however my review kit sample did not include those items.

The Kit

This kit was originally offered as an annual kit and as a “dealer promo” style kit back in the day. Due to this design parameter the front and rear fascia’s are pretty well detailed, however the body engraving is soft in spots, the engine, interior and chassis is somewhat simplified therefore parts count is lower than our modern and newly engineered kits . For instance the front lower portion of the grille and rear splash pan is molded to the chassis.

Through most of the seventies and early eighties custom vans were all the rage! This kit takes you instantly back to that magical era when shag carpet, eight tracks and incense were commonplace.